Uncovering the Truth: The Ultimate Showdown Between Electric Cars and Fossil Fuel Based Cars

As the world faces the urgent challenge of climate change, the conversation surrounding transportation alternatives is more important than ever. The rivalry between electric cars and fossil fuel-based cars is at the forefront of this discussion. Each side puts forward strong arguments about energy efficiency, environmental impact, cost, maintenance, and driving experience. In this post, we will dig deeper into these topics to evaluate which vehicle is truly superior in today’s landscape.

Energy Efficiency

Electric cars clearly lead in energy efficiency. They convert over 87% - 91% of the electricity from the grid to power at the wheels. In contrast, conventional gasoline vehicles manage to convert only 16% to 25% of the energy stored in gasoline. This discrepancy is largely due to the limitations of internal combustion engines (ICE) which lose significant energy as heat and through mechanical inefficiencies.

For example, a gasoline car that consumes one gallon of fuel, yielding around 30 miles of range, can be compared to an electric vehicle (EV) that uses the same energy equivalent from electricity and travels over 100 miles on a full charge, showcasing the disparity in efficiency.

Benefit 1: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce a lower carbon footprint compared to gasoline cars, even when considering the electricity required for charging as they are significantly more energy-efficient.

Let's address the obvious question, if Electric cars are more efficient then

Why does a typical gasoline car like the Toyota Rav 4 drive around 500 miles on full tank ?

vs

A typical BEV e.g., Tesla Model Y only drives around 320 miles with full charge ?

The answer: "Energy Density"

Approximately, 60 times more energy is stored in gasoline compared to lithium ion batteries.

• Gasoline has an energy density of around 12,000 Wh/Kg

• Lithium ion batteries have an energy density of around 200 Wh/Kg

This doesn't automatically mean that the range of a gasoline car is 60 times more than an electric car.

1 gallon of gasoline has 35.17 KWh of energy and a typical gasoline car like Toyota Rav 4 has a capacity of 16.67 gallons (= 586.27 KWh). We need to include the efficiency conversion described previously:

• Useful mechanical energy for gasoline cars = 0.25 * 586.27 kWh ≈ 146.57 kWh

• Useful mechanical energy for electric cars = 0.9 * 80 kWh ≈ 72 kWh

Hence, a typical gasoline car can drive almost double the distance on a full tank vs an electric car on a full charge !

One might then ask, why should you drive an electric car if it can't take you farther than a gasoline car on a full tank ? That is exactly what we'll address in the rest of this article.

Lifecycle CO2e Emissions (Environmental Impact)

Examining the lifecycle CO2e emissions further cements the environmental edge of electric vehicles, although this can vary based on energy sources. Gasoline vehicles continuously emit CO2 during their operation, contributing to urban air pollution. While the manufacturing phase of EVs generates more emissions—particularly during battery production—this is counterbalanced by zero tailpipe emissions during use.

A notable statistic is that, depending on the electricity source, charging an electric vehicle can result in 50% to 75% less CO2 emissions compared to the lifetime emissions of gasoline cars. As renewable energy sources gain traction, the carbon footprint for electric vehicles is expected to drop even more significantly.

*A vehicle that has driven 225,000 km (approx. 15-20 years from purchase with 1000-1500 km driven/year

Source: Carbon intensity of electricity grids based on ENTSO 2022 forecast of energy mix and emissions factors for different sources derived from the 2021 UNECE report.

Nonetheless, each EV incurs a carbon debt of approximately 3-5 tonnes of CO2e upon manufacturing, which is offset after about (Reference no. 6 below)

• 20,000 km of driving in best case scenario (electricity largely from renewables eg., Sweden)

• 70,000 km of driving in worst case scenario (electricity largely from coal eg., Poland)

Benefit 2: Although there is an initial carbon debt, the lifetime CO2 emissions of an electric vehicle are much lower than those of a typical gasoline-powered vehicle, even when considering the battery manufacturing process.

Cost Efficiency

The upfront cost of electric cars may seem steep, but the long-term savings often favor EVs. Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, enabling owners to save an average of $800 to $1,200 yearly on fuel costs. Maintenance expenses for EVs are also lower, as their fewer moving parts lead to reduced servicing needs.

Moreover, various regions provide tax rebates and incentives for electric vehicle purchases—up to $7,500 in some U.S. states—offsetting the initial costs. In contrast, fossil fuel vehicles can be subject to fluctuating gasoline prices, which have increased, on average, by 50% over the past decade due to market volatility and geopolitical factors.

For example in southern Sweden, where I live, the cost of electricity is 1.5 SEK/KWh and for an average driver of 10,000 km / year (1000 swedish miles) it would cost me 2025 SEK compared to a gasoling car which would cost me 12,000 SEK when the gasoline is 16.5 SEK/l (at the time of writing this article in mid-Jan 2025)

Calculations based on my 2024 Tesla Model 3 LR with has a consumption of 135Wh/km for all the kilometers driven since I've purchased. For driving 10,000 km, my car would have consumed 1350 KWh. So, 1350*1.5 = 2,025 SEK for 10,000 km

A gasoline car example is with my previous car which had a 40l petrol tank and would give me 550 km with a full tank (7.2 l / 100 km or 13.8 km for every litre) would need 727 litres for driving 10,000 km. So, 727*16.5 kr/l = 12,000 SEK for 10,000 km

A gasoline car would have costed me 6 times more than what it costs me with my 2024 Tesla Model 3 LR, an yearly savings of around 10,000 SEK !!

Even considering the worst case of a BEV and best case of a gasoline car, driving 10,000 km

Worst case BEV: 2 SEK/KWh, 200Wh/km (winter conditions, high electricity prices)

Best case pertrol car: 700 km of range with a 40 liter petrol car (5.7 l/100 km or 17.5 km for every liter)

BEV would consume 2000 KWh which would cost me 4000 SEK

Gasoline car would consume 571.5 liters which would cost me 9428 SEK

A gasoline car would have costed me approx. 2.35 times than what it cost with a BEV , an yearly savings of 5428 SEK !!

Plus the yearly 'serving costs' on a gasoline costs are not needed for a BEV which is an additional yearly savings of over 3000 SEK in both the above cases !!

Benefit 3: Clearly, driving an electric car is far more cheaper than a gasoline car as a result of the lower electricity prices, the efficiency of an electric car to convert energy into work and lower maintenance needs

Charging Infrastructure & Range Anxiety

A major challenge for electric vehicles is the availability of a robust charging infrastructure. Although the number of charging stations is steadily increasing, they still cannot compete with the extensive network of gas stations. Currently, there are around 41,000 public charging stations in the U.S., far fewer than the 150,000 gas stations that existed before the rise of EVs.

Charging times vary greatly; fast chargers can provide an 80% charge in about 30 minutes, while standard chargers may require several hours. This often triggers "range anxiety," where drivers worry about running out of battery before reaching a charging point. The convenience of quick refueling at gas stations remains a significant advantage for fossil fuel vehicles.

A modern electric car charging station with a landscape background.

Vehicle Maintenance Needs

Electric cars typically require less maintenance due to a simpler design with fewer moving parts. However, EV owners should plan for battery replacement, which usually costs between $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the model, after about 100,000 miles.

Traditional cars incur ongoing costs like oil changes, brake repairs, and emissions checks. The average owner can spend upwards of $1,200 a year on maintenance for gasoline vehicles, which can lead to much higher cumulative costs over time. The standard 'Yearly servicing' on a fossil fuel car are not needed on a BEV.

Benefit 4: Electric vehicles require significantly less maintenance and annual servicing than fossil fuel-powered cars.

EV battery replacements and degradation

Contrary to popular belief, replacing electric vehicle batteries because of failures is quite rare since model year 2015, according to this article from a US government office: EV battery replacements due to failure dated April 22, 2024.

Electric vehicle (EV) battery degradation refers to the gradual loss in capacity and performance of the battery over time. This degradation can be influenced by several factors including: Usage Patterns, Temperature, Age, Depth of Discharge

Manufacturers often provide warranties for battery performance, typically ensuring that the battery retains a significant portion of its original capacity (like 70% to 80%) over a certain period or mileage. Advances in battery technology and management systems are continuously improving, aiming to extend battery life and reduce degradation rates. However, even with degradation, many EV batteries continue to serve effectively beyond their warranty period, just with a reduced range or capacity. According to a 2024 study by 'Reccurent auto' which has collected real world data from Tesla Model 3 & Tesla Model Y measuring with over 6000 vehicles each, the vehicle maintains around 90-95% of EPA range after 4 years of usage which is around 1-2% range degradation per year.

Safety

Safety is a crucial factor for many consumers in their vehicle choice. Studies indicate that electric vehicles can be as safe as traditional cars, with some models featuring a lower center of gravity that reduces rollover risks.

Concerns about battery fires persist, even though they are rare. Statistics gathered by this NTSB study show that electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gasoline cars, which have a 1 in 1,000 chance of igniting versus about 1 in 6,000 for electric vehicles.

A significant number of new electric car models, including those from both established manufacturers and emerging Chinese brands, have achieved 5-star safety ratings. This suggests that electric vehicles are matching or even exceeding the safety standards of their internal combustion engine counterparts. Both NTSB & Euro NCAP have stated that risk of fire for all types of EV remains less likely than for ICE vehicles according to this forbes article.

Benefit 5: Electric vehicles (EVs) offer significant safety advantages, such as a lower rollover risk and a reduced likelihood of catching fire, with a 1 in 6,000 chance versus 1 in 1,000 for gasoline vehicles. Many new EV models have achieved 5-star safety ratings, matching or surpassing conventional car standards.

Driving Experience of an EV

Electric vehicles offer a unique and often enjoyable driving experience, characterized by instant torque and a smooth, silent operation. The lack of engine noise allows for a calm journey, and features like regenerative braking enhance the driving experience by providing a seamless feel.

Conversely, gasoline vehicles deliver a traditional experience that some drivers cherish, complete with engine sounds and gear shifts that create an engaging driving atmosphere.

Electric vehicles (EVs) enhance driving enjoyment with unique features and benefits:

• Instant Torque: Quick acceleration provides an exhilarating drive.

• Quiet Operation: Silent motors offer a serene experience.

• Regenerative Braking: Improves efficiency and provides smooth slowing.

• Low Center of Gravity: Enhances stability and handling.

• Advanced Technology: Features like autopilot and entertainment systems enhance the experience.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduced emissions offer satisfaction and responsibility.

What is unique about "Tesla" specifically

• Fun Mode: Rapid acceleration showcases thrilling performance.

• Futuristic tech: Allows relaxation with FSD (supervised) and over-the-air updates

• Low maintenance: Haven't spent a single penny in 2 years for maintenance

• Unique Interior Features: 

  • Minimalist design

  • Large touchscreen and for theatre like experience

  • In car entertainment: Netflix, Youtube, Disney and numerous games etc

  • Premium sound system

  • Screen for passengers behind to name a few.

• Sentry Mode: Monitors surrounding and alerts owners via app and stores footage to a USB

• Supercharger Network: Facilitates convenient long-distance travel.

Benefit 6: The sheer thrill of driving an EV, where exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendly consciousness come together to captivate countless drivers!

Tips to Maximize benefits of Electric Cars

• Optimize Battery Performance in Cold Weather: To mitigate reduced range in cold weather, precondition your vehicle while it's still plugged in. This warms the battery and cabin, maximizing efficiency before you start driving.

• Plan Your Routes: Use apps and resources that help locate charging stations along your route. Planning ahead can alleviate concerns about charging infrastructure, especially during long-distance travel.

• Utilize Fast Chargers: Whenever possible, use fast charging stations to reduce refueling time. Many EVs support rapid charging, which can significantly decrease the time spent at charging stations.

• Explore Incentives and Financing Options: Look into government incentives, tax credits, and financing options that can help offset the higher initial cost of electric vehicles, making them more affordable.

• Regular Battery Maintenance: Follow manufacturer recommendations for battery maintenance and care. This can help slow down battery degradation and extend the life of your vehicle's battery, reducing the need for costly replacements.

Additional advantages when somethings happen on a large scale

1. Innovative battery technologies that will significantly futher the range and safety of an electric car

2. Battery recycling is a sure shot way to cut emissions even more by reducing the demand for new materials!

3. As the grid increasingly taps into renewable resources, the emissions from charging vehicles are dropping significantly!

Final Thoughts

The contest between electric cars and fossil fuel-based vehicles hinges on multiple factors, including energy efficiency, lifecycle CO2e emissions, cost, maintenance, safety, driving experience, and how vehicles hold up in varied climates.

Electric cars clearly present a sustainable choice with lower operating costs and environmental advantages. However, hurdles such as infrastructure and battery longevity remain serious considerations. Ultimately, the ideal vehicle depends on individual preferences, driving needs, and local environments, making the ongoing discussion of electric versus fossil-fuel cars a vital and evolving topic.

References:

1. 2021 UNECE report

2. Myth Buster: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths

3. How long does EV battery last: https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-long-do-ev-batteries-last

4. EV energy: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv-ev.shtml

5. Gasoline energy: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml

6. Emissions comparison: https://www.transportenvironment.org/articles/how-clean-are-electric-cars

7. Lifecycle emissions: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/life-cycle-emissions-evs-vs-combustion-engine-vehicles/

8. Sciencedirect Lifecycle emissions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032122000867