Electric Cars VS Petrol Cars: The Truth Behind The Argument

Summary

The debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol cars is explored, focusing on key factors such as price, range, recharge times, and environmental impact. While EVs have a higher upfront cost and shorter driving range, they offer long-term savings and a greener alternative. Over time, EVs are expected to become more affordable, with charging infrastructure improving. The environmental impact of EVs, particularly regarding battery production, is acknowledged, but trends towards cleaner power sources and recyclable batteries suggest a positive future. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, driving habits, and values.

Takeaways

• 😀 Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, with sales forecasted to make up 28% of new car sales by 2030 and 58% by 2040.
• 😀 One major issue with EVs is their higher upfront cost compared to petrol cars, with examples like a Peugeot 208 costing $27,000 while its electric version is $42,000.
• 😀 Range anxiety is a concern for EV owners, as electric vehicles generally have a shorter range compared to petrol cars, e.g., the Peugeot electric model has a 275 km range compared to the petrol version’s 1,800 km.
• 😀 EVs are still less convenient due to fewer charging stations, whereas petrol stations are widely available, which makes refueling faster and more accessible.
• 😀 The production of EV batteries results in 1.5 times more CO2 emissions compared to petrol engine production, and raw materials for batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite, come with their own environmental concerns.
• 😀 The disposal and recycling of EV batteries remain a challenge, as these batteries cannot be fully recycled and pose a disposal problem when they reach the end of their life cycle.
• 😀 While EVs have higher upfront costs, they can be cheaper over time due to lower running costs. For example, EVs cost about $15 per month to run, compared to $140 for petrol cars.
• 😀 EV owners can save on congestion charges, taxes, and servicing fees, which further lowers the total cost of ownership over time.
• 😀 For many drivers, especially those in urban areas, range and recharge times are not significant issues since most people drive less than 35 km a day, which is well within the range of most EVs.
• 😀 As the energy grid shifts toward renewable sources, EVs are becoming greener. In New Zealand, the percentage of power from sustainable sources increased from 12% in 2010 to 40% today, indicating a positive trend for the environment.

Q & A

What is the current market share of electric vehicles (EVs) in global car sales?

As of the last year, electric vehicles (EVs) account for about 5% of global new car sales. However, this is expected to rise significantly, reaching 28% by 2030.

Why are electric cars generally more expensive than petrol cars?

Electric cars are typically more expensive than their petrol counterparts due to the higher cost of production, particularly the lithium-ion batteries that power them. For example, a Peugeot 208 costs $27,000, whereas its electric equivalent costs $42,000.

What is the range of electric cars compared to petrol cars?

Electric cars generally have a shorter range than petrol cars. For instance, the electric Peugeot has a range of 275 kilometers, while its petrol version can travel more than double that distance (1,800 kilometers).

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle compared to refueling a petrol car?

Charging an electric vehicle can take longer than refueling a petrol car. For example, the Mini Electric takes half an hour to go from 20% to 80% charge using a rapid charger, while refueling a petrol car at a gas station is much quicker.

What are the environmental impacts of electric vehicles?

While electric vehicles are often considered greener, the production of their batteries emits more CO2 than the production of internal combustion engines. Additionally, the power plants generating the electricity to charge EVs can still produce significant CO2 emissions, especially if they burn fossil fuels.

What are the challenges surrounding the raw materials used in EV batteries?

Electric vehicle batteries require raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and graphite, which come with their own environmental and ethical concerns. Furthermore, the recycling of these batteries is not yet efficient, and their disposal remains a major challenge.

What is the total cost of ownership difference between petrol and electric vehicles?

Although EVs have a higher upfront cost, they can be cheaper to maintain and operate in the long run. On average, petrol cars cost $140 a month to run, whereas EVs cost just $15 per month. Over time, the lower operating costs of EVs can make them more economical.

How do electric vehicle ranges compare to daily driving needs?

For most people, the range of electric vehicles is more than sufficient. On average, people drive less than 35 kilometers per day, which most electric cars can handle without any issues. Long-range electric cars are necessary for those who drive significantly more, but for daily commutes, the standard range is enough.

How is the electricity used to charge EVs becoming greener?

The energy mix used to charge electric vehicles is improving. In countries like New Zealand, the share of sustainable energy sources has increased significantly, from 12% in 2010 to 40% today. This trend is expected to continue, making EV charging more environmentally friendly.

What is the future outlook for electric vehicles in terms of cost and accessibility?

As technology advances, the cost of electric vehicles is expected to continue decreasing. In the future, it may become more expensive to buy a petrol car than an electric one, making EVs more accessible to a wider range of consumers.