Electric Car vs. Gas

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle around Town ‘n’ Country, you’re probably interested in the debate between an electric car vs. gas. You have good reasons for doing so because gas prices in Tampa may not be going down for a while. There are several perks of owning either type of vehicle for your daily commutes, weekly errands, and weekend beach trips. Keep reading to compare electric cars vs. gas cars with our guide from Subaru of South Tampa.

Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Key Differences

When comparing gas vs. electric cars, you have several things to consider when driving around St. Petersburg. 

Think about:

• Upfront costs
• Costs of Ownership
• Convenience
• Driving satisfaction and experience
• Environmental impact

Keep reading to understand three ways in which an electric car vs. a gas differs:

Fuel and Charging Gas vs. Electric Cars

Where an EV vs. gas car gets its power represents the first major difference. Gas cars run on gasoline or diesel fuel, and there are plenty of gas stations around Wesley Chapel. Meanwhile, electric vehicles, like the Subaru Solterra, must be recharged using electricity, either in your garage or at public charging stations.

There are more gas stations, so that is more convenient. It also takes less time to fill up at the pump versus charging an EV battery. So, if you don’t want to change your driving habits, choose a fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in the EV vs. gas car debate.

Environmental Impact of Gas vs. Electric Cars

When it comes to sustainability, electric cars vs. gas cars differ greatly. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which lowers your overall carbon footprint and makes them the greener option. If your electricity provider gets power from renewable energy, your purchase does even better to reduce carbon emissions. 

Gas cars, on the other hand, contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also produce smelly exhaust fumes.

Maintenance and Cost of EV vs. Gas Car

The overall maintenance cost is another key aspect in the electric cars vs. gas cars debate. Gas cars have more moving parts, like pistons and gears, which can result in higher maintenance costs. You’ll pay for oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, and the transmission will need repairs at some point.

You won’t need oil changes with an EV because electric vehicles won’t need oil. Brakes will last longer thanks to regenerative braking. EVs generally get less wear and tear over time.

Advantages of Electric Cars

When comparing an electric car vs. gas, EVs offer several advantages in terms of lower overall costs of ownership and a better driving experience:

• Charging an electric vehicle can be 40% cheaper than filling a gas tank, especially if you charge at home. You’ll need to pay for DC Fast Charging when traveling, but it’s still cheaper than gasoline.
• Electric cars are known for their quiet operation and quick acceleration. Your drive is quieter.
• Consider the incentives from the federal government and the state of Florida that could lower your purchase price.
• Charging your EV at home can be done overnight while you sleep.

When Gas Cars Still Make Sense

EVs are popular, but gasoline-powered cars still make sense in some cases:

• Gas cars offer a longer range between fill-ups, which is ideal for long road trips or areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
• Filling up at a gas station doesn’t take as much time as charging an EV on the road. 
• Won’t have to pay for a charging box at home.

EV vs. Gas Car: Which Should You Choose? 

Choosing between gas vs. electric cars comes down to what you want to get out of your driving experience. We can help you decide on an EV vs. gas car at our dealership in Town ‘n’ Country. Contact us or call 813-510-5024 to schedule a test drive with our team.