Electric Vs. Gas Vehicles: What’s Better For You?

Sep 10, 2024 - 3 minute read

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To Go Electric Or Not Electric—That Is The Question

If you’re planning on buying a new car, there’s no doubt you’ve seen plenty of hype behind electric vehicles—and rightfully so, as these models offer a completely new cruising experience and some perks for the environment. However, you’ll also want to ask the bigger question—what’s better for you between an EV or a traditional gas car? After all, while electric technology is still developing, petrol motors will still work better for some drivers. Stick with us today to help find which side of this spectrum your drives fall on—and don’t forget to visit us at Way Scarff Ford in Auburn, WA, to test drive your favorite EV and gas vehicles.

Charging Vs. Filling Up: What’s Better?

The first question you’ll want to address is whether charging at an EV station (or home) vs filling up at the pump works better for you. On paper, electric seems to be the immediate winner, as you release no tailpipe emissions while filling up could cost as little as $550 for the full year depending on the vehicle you drive and whether you opt for charging at home vs. fast charging. However, keep in mind charging up with an at-home charger can take more than 12 hours—and even if you choose a DC Fast Charger, you’ll still usually need to wait around 45 minutes to get near an 80% charge.

By comparison, filling up with gas costs around $4.19 per gallon for a national average—which means you’ll usually pay just under $60 per fill-up depending on the model—which can add up much faster than charging. However, the typical fill-up usually takes around five minutes—which makes this a debate of time vs. money.

Also, consider how far you usually drive—if you constantly embark on road trips, gas-powered vehicles are usually more practical since you’ll reach your destination much faster without the recharge waits—not to mention more gas stations exist across the country than charging stations, helping you top off in a pinch more easily. However, expect massive savings for EVs if your commutes and errands are usually in the urban Seattle area, as you’ll find plenty of nearby charging stations.

One Is Fast; One Is Quick: Make Your Pick

The next major difference between gas and electric depends on how you prefer to cruise, as one allows for quick driving while the other allows for fast driving. While these words sound similar—you’ll feel the difference when you’re behind the wheel. In short, EVs are quick, as they can reach maximum torque at 0 rpm, which means you can bolt to city and highway speeds near-instantly. However, you’ll find many of them lack high top speeds or that punchy rush when you push the accelerator when you’re already cruising at 60 mph—but for most types of city drives and commutes, this isn’t an issue—and even helps you zip around town more practically.

However, if you prefer a sporty touch to your cruises, like dominating the open roads or the track in a Mustang, gas is going to be your better option for now, as some of these vehicles can not only reach higher speeds but also perform more exhilarating pulls when you’re up and moving. Again, the winner of this round depends on how you like to drive.

Find Your Fuel Type Today: Start In Auburn, WA

When you’re looking for the ultimate vehicle, visit us at Way Scarff Ford near Issaquah, WA, and test drive your favorite gas and electric-powered cars. Our team can also assist by answering your burning questions, such as, “How does a gas car work?” or helping you find some of the longest-range electric vehicles on the road—and that’s only the start of how we can step up as your local Ford dealer near Tacoma, WA.

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