Introduction
The automotive industry is experiencing some of the most drastic revolutions yet since the inception of the first car by Ford. The revolutions have been guided by customer need, customer experience, feedback, technological advances and environmental awareness to reduce climate change. This paper explores, in a compare and contrast approach, the similarities and differences between electric and gasoline powered cars. It also captures the pros and cons of each type of vehicle engine choice. While most people have become accustomed to gas powered cars, it is electric cars that have the edge in cost savings and efficiency, and therefore, the cars of the future.
The two types of cars are similar in appearance, even though electric cars have compact engines that allow for minimal additions to the mainframe. This size comparison makes it difficult to tell them apart. Maizlish et al. shows that electric cars are the new normal, most preferred choice of automotive technology for both consumers and manufacturers; the reasons are overwhelming (429). For example, compared to gasoline vehicles, “electric cars are better in light of energy efficiency, performance, convenience, maintenance, and tax credits. They are also greener with much lower emissions” (Majchrzak et al. 155). The most notable of recent developments is the race by developers to create a car that is cost efficient and environmentally friendly. The Tesla Motor company is the current face of success in the electric powered type of vehicles as motor vehicle companies look for more cost effective and sustainable modes of engine propulsion other than gasoline.
Historical context
The rise of the electric powered car was influenced by the need to store the solar energy collected in batteries that the solar panels collected when exposed to sunlight. Research states there was a developer’s race to capture the pioneering spot for the most innovative automotive technology in the last decade of the 20th century that would rival gasoline engines. The alternative engine had to have a sustainable energy source while remaining non-pollutant. German car manufacturers explored the possibility of a solar powered engine but the unavailability of the energy source during some hours of the day meant it was not yet the most viable alternative. Based on power related challenges, Grinvald and Ofer show “acceptance of electric vehicles was hampered,” fast forward to 2021 and electric cars appear to be the future of automotive industry (313).
Similarities of electric and gas cars
The two types of cars have many similarities in appearance, their compact engines ensure that there are no additions to the mainframe that would make it easy to tell them apart. According to Eikenberry., they have the same mainframe designs as regards to shape which is curved to reduce drag from wind resistance while in motion just as in gasoline powered cars (127). Accessories are also standard between the two types of cars sharing similar driving mirrors, signal lights, beaming lights, and also steering wheel, seats, and pedals. Moreover, Grinvald and Ofer shows that “both types are shaped to resist the wind, which is a common sense in the car industry” (315). Advancements in technology envision the exemption of pedals in design models to be replaced with auto-predictive software that will aid self-drive. Suffice to say, both types are just modes of transport preferred by owners and potential buyers for urban commute, passenger, and simple luggage transport (Grinvald and Ofer 316). In some instances, both types of cars have been used for aesthetic purposes, executive transport, and as speculative assets.
Differences between Electric and Gas Cars
While the two seem similar, they have numerous differences. Electric cars are powered by an electric charge that propels a motor rotating it in a vertical motion. The vertical motion is converted into horizontal motion by levers and that is how motion is achieved (Majchrzak et al. 157). For the gasoline car, a combustion compartment in the engine is at the heart of the whole system. The combustion chamber converts potential energy into kinetic energy when a spark plug creates a spark that ignites a jet of flowing gasoline in the chamber. Majchrzak et al. argues that “EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and PHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions when in all-electric mode” (158) After the ignition, the burning fuel expands, blowing into fumes, and opening controlled exit chambers resulting in a forward or backward motion.
The gas car has a drive train to support two centers of weight, which are the engine and the gas tank. These are absent in an EV meaning they have better mass distribution and easier management of forward acceleration motion without losing extra energy. Based on the differences in mass distribution, Quinteros-Condoretty et al. shows performance between an EV and a gas vehicle also differs. In comparison, “the performance of a vehicle with a 100 kW electric motor exceeds that of a vehicle with a 100 kW internal combustion engine, which can only deliver its maximum torque within a limited range of engine speed” (Quinteros-Condoretty et al. 74). The power source for a gasoline car is the gas tank while in an EV it is the set of batteries at the rear end of some models.
The electric motor is the only moving part in an EV while the gas (diesel/petrol) engine has numerous moving parts. Waste management in a gas-powered car, according to Quinteros-Condoretty et al., is done through an exhaust pipe, which is non-existent in an EV since there is no waste released into the atmosphere. Quinteros-Condoretty et al. also shows “lithium-ion battery production, maintenance and end of life treatment of an electric battery vehicle, make up approximately 10 to 15 percent of its total environmental burden” (76) Maintenance tends to happen with regularity for gasoline cars due to the various aspects of the engine type than in electric vehicles, which has fewer parts (Martínez-Lao et al. 973). Instead of a fuel gate hole for pouring in gasoline for conveyance to the fuel tank, an EV has a recharge socket on the rear side of the vehicle.
Advantages of electric cars
Electric cars have advantages such as reduced maintenance costs, due to a single moving part, the motor. In comparison to a gas car, the electric car does not use engine oil. The car’s brakes wear and tear are also minimal which is a cost saving on both oil change and brake pads (Eikenberry 123). The energy source is environmentally friendly as it leaves significantly less carbon footprint. Eikenberry further shows that “Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) powered by pure hydrogen emit no tailpipe GHGs, only heat and water” (125). This type of car has a better mass distribution because there is a decentralized source of motion where motors can be installed at each wheel or some of the wheels can be modified into motors.
The EV cars also have reduced masses at the motor’s installation points where the most force is generated. This means there is ample latitude to change design specifications for the engineer. It also ensures a low center of gravity and superior handling (Čekerevac et al. 51). There is also the chance to incorporate better safety characteristics into the design protocol. Latent momentum built up in motion results in power reintroduction into the vehicle for more acceleration, which is a special characteristic that sets EV vehicles apart from diesel/gas powered engines that ensures energy conservation (Martínez-Lao et al. 977). Moreover, Martínez-Lao et al. shows, “some of the rebates also help to offset the cost of installing the charging station at your home if additional electrical work is required” (982). Recharging centers can be set up anywhere without requiring complex design and engineering works as happens with a fuel station (Maizlish et al. 426).
This is advantageous due to the minimal setting up costs. Better innovation in the future will ensure that the battery sizes are significantly reduced meaning increased efficiency for the vehicles. Checking the cost benefit of using an electric car, Sahoo et al. shows that by not using gas, the car owner saves an average of $3,000 annually (203). That is the reason Sahoo et al. says, “the biggest benefit of electric cars is obvious — you no longer need gas” (206) Models for example, the Nissan Leaf are fully electric and the savings on gas can be channeled towards installation of a home charging system.
Car battery manufacturers are required by the federal government to offer warranties protecting electric car owners from frequent replacement. Some models offer lifetime warranties which translates to a lifetime cost saving. Electric car owners attract tax credits from local, state and federal governments. This incentive allows electric car hire companies to market themselves by passing the savings to their customer (Eikenberry 132). As Eikenberry show “with an electric vehicle would mean saving some ‘wallet green’ too” (132) Finally, the car can also be recharged using solar panels, if unable to get to a recharge center.
Advantages of Fuel Cars
Similar to Electric cars, fuel cars have advantages attracting motor vehicle technical enthusiasts. Innovation in science is welcome although inadequate replacement technology means research and development has more work to produce efficient alternatives (MarketLine Industry Profile 41). This case proves gasoline cars have continued need on the roads due to several advantages for example; it takes a shorter time to refill a gas tank than it is to fully charge a set of batteries in an EV. Sahoo et al. further shows that “gas vehicles have better agility in terms of acceleration and speed compared to electric vehicles” (207). Sahoo et al. contends that a unit of fuel lasts longer in terms of distance covered as opposed to a unit of charge (207).. Therefore, a gas-powered vehicle will travel longer distances when the energy source is full as opposed to the distance covered by an EV when the batteries are fully charged.
Conclusion
This paper factually concludes that electric vehicles are better than gas fueled cars even as technology and innovation keep changing. The highlight of this paper is that electric cars are much better based on the outlined facts, in the pros and cons. The energy crises will eventually demand for the use of electric vehicles. There is also incessant activism supporting the conservation of the environment and global policies are calling for the observation of emission levels. This means the environmentally friendly electric cars are the future on roads. Carbon emissions are attracting penalties for net polluting cars and also rewards if a car owner has taken steps to curb their level of emissions. Therefore, electric cars are better when compared to gas fueled cars.
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