Internal combustion engines using petrol as a fuel have long been utilised to power vehicles. Despite being an effective engine, the demand for alternative energy and eco-friendly options has led to other choices. In the last two decades, a surge was observed in this demand due to the rising environmental concerns and natural resource depletion issues. The first successful attempt was made in the 1990s with the launch of hybrid vehicles.
Currently, the trend has taken over the automotive market, and all the major automobile manufacturers are rolling-off their electric vehicles. Physically, these electric cars are similar to petrol cars, but the major difference is the engine.
Now, the question here is whether electric cars are better than petrol cars. We have shortlisted all the areas of concern in this regard. Let’s dissect petrol cars Vs electric cars in more detail.
Comparison of Electric Cars and Petrol Cars
One of the major contributors that increase the demand for electric cars in the region is the increasing petrol prices in the UAE. Followed by environmental concerns and carbon emissions from the internal combustion engine.
Let’s go through the comparisons of electric and petrol cars. The will help you decide whether to opt for an electric car or a petrol car.
Petrol Car Vs Electric Car: Maintenance Cost
Internal combustion engines work on the basis of many smaller moving parts that require proper oiling for smooth function. Generally, petrol cars need an oil change after every 10,000km, this may vary from vehicle type to vehicle type. On average, an oil change can cost AED 80 to AED 100, reaching up to AED 800 if you own a luxury car.
On the contrary, electric cars use electronic components that are exempted from oiling and thus do not require an oil change. However, electric car owners are required to change cabin air filters and brake fluid every two years. Along with this, they also need to get their AC serviced once in two to six years. For this, visit the nearest car AC repair shop in Dubai and other Emirates.
Petrol Car Vs Electric Car: Fuel Cost
The below-mentioned statistics are on the basis of average fuel economy and fuel prices: therefore, it may vary from the actual cost of running an electric car Vs a petrol car in the UAE.
Currently, the petrol price in the UAE ranges from AED 3.84 to AED 4.03 (depending on fuel type), and the average fuel economy in the UAE is 14.8km/litre. According to which, if you are driving 1 km/day, the fuel cost of petrol cars will be AED 0.25 to AED 0.27, and the average cost of filling a tank is AED 270. Along with this, the government has also announced fuel subsidies through UAE’s Social Support Program by which users can avail of subsidised fuel from the government.
In comparison to petrol cars, a midsize electric car on an hour of 240-volt charging can provide 30 to 40 km of runtime. Previously, the electric charging stations were free of cost in the majority of the areas, but EV owners will be charged from now on. The price of electric car charging in the UAE starts from AED 3.35 and can reach up to AED 22.84 for 30 minutes.
Petrol Car Vs Electric Car: Performance
Electric cars are known for providing higher drivability and silent rides, as the only running part in the car is an electric motor. This also increases the energy efficiency, as lesser parts are involved in energy transfer, which reduces any potential chance of energy loss.
Whereas petrol cars burn fossil fuel and generate energy in which a portion of the energy is lost in the form of heat. Moreover, from the engine to the wheels, several parts, including the gearbox, clutch and drivetrain system, are involved that contribute to energy loss. Hence, in terms of performance, electric cars are more efficient than petrol cars.
Petrol Car Vs Electric Car: Other Benefits
The UAE government aims for an eco-friendly Emirates by the end of this decade. To achieve this goal, a number of projects have been launched that also support the purchase and usage of electric cars. For instance: in Dubai, electric car owners are provided with free parking for up to 4 hours in limited areas and also get free Salik tags. Remember that only the tags are free and the trips will be charged as per normal. Along with this, a number of banks are also providing green loans that will facilitate electric car purchases.
For petrol cars, auto loans in Dubai and other Emirates are already present that financially aid owners in purchasing cars. However, for electric cars, a number of banks are providing green auto loans. Banks charge lesser process fees for these loans and the interest rate is also lower.
Petrol Vs Electric Car: Environmental Impact
Internal combustion engines generate power by burning fuel, and carbon dioxide is released as a by-product from the exhaust. Therefore, petrol engine vehicles have a higher carbon footprint. In comparison, electric vehicles are powered by electric current, and no by-product is released.
Therefore, the environmental impact of electric vehicles is much lower than petrol vehicles. In fact, it is claimed that some modern cars have 0 carbon emissions.
FAQ
Are electric cars better than petrol cars?
Electric and petrol cars both come with their own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, if you compare maintenance costs, conventional cars go through wear and tear and require regular service while electric cars have no moving parts. Similarly, electric cars are comparatively more expensive to buy compared to petrol cars.
There is no definite answer to if electric cars are better or petrol-powered ones. However, EVs seem to rule the car market in the foreseeable future due to zero carbon emissions, lower maintenance and fuel costs.
Are electric cars heavier than petrol cars?
Yes, electric cars are generally heavier in comparison to conventional cars. The core reason for this is the lead batteries used to store current.
Here we conclude our petrol car Vs electric car comparison, and now we hope that you can decide whether electric cars will take over petrol cars in the near future or not. Once you have decided on the type of car you want, you can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and avail yourself of a wide range of vehicles.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on electric and petrol cars.
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