Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Your Ultimate Guide

Performance and Efficiency

Electric Cars 

• Instant acceleration: EVs power up quickly, making urban driving both fun and efficient.

• Regenerative braking: This technology recovers energy during deceleration, enhancing overall efficiency.

• Energy conversion: The high conversion rate means less wasted energy—a key benefit of electric cars over older technologies.

 

Gas Cars

• High horsepower: Gas cars maintain strong engine performance over long journeys.

• Engine performance: Their internal combustion engines are optimised for endurance rather than quick bursts.

• Gas car efficiency: While modern engines have improved, the inherent energy loss through heat means that gas car efficiency typically lags behind that of electric counterparts.

 

Cost Analysis

Cost is a major factor when choosing between electric and gas cars. Here’s a detailed look at the financial implications of both options:

 

Aspect	Electric Cars	Gas Cars
Purchase Price	Generally higher upfront due to advanced battery technology. However, significant government incentives help lower costs.	Lower initial purchase price, though there are no direct subsidies to ease the cost burden.
Running Costs	Electricity costs around ₹1-1.5 per km, which is considerably lower than the cost of petrol or diesel.	Fuel costs vary between ₹6-10 per km, with prices fluctuating due to global oil markets.
Maintenance	Fewer moving parts mean minimal maintenance expenses – no oil changes or frequent engine repairs.	Regular maintenance is needed, including oil changes, engine servicing, and fuel system upkeep.
Insurance	Some insurers provide discounts on electric cars policies. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set guidelines that may benefit EV owners.	Insurance premiums are determined by Insured Declared Value, engine capacity, fuel type, and safety features, typically resulting in moderate rates.
Government Support	FAME II subsidies (up to ₹1.5 lakh) and various state-level benefits (road tax exemptions, reduced registration fees) make EVs more affordable.	There are no direct government incentives for gas cars.

 

FAME II Subsidies and Additional Incentives

The Indian government supports the shift to sustainable mobility through the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme. Under FAME II, buyers of electric cars can receive up to ₹1.5 lakh in subsidies based on battery capacity. Additionally, states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat offer extra benefits like road tax exemptions and reduced registration fees.

 

Environmental Impact

Electric Cars

• Zero emissions: EVs help improve urban air quality by eliminating harmful exhaust emissions.

• Renewable energy potential: When charged using solar or wind power, electric cars offer an even lower carbon footprint.

• Climate impact: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels means that EVs contribute to slowing down climate change.

 

Gas Cars

• Greenhouse gases: Combustion of petrol and diesel produces large amounts of CO₂.

• Air quality issues: Pollutants from gas cars are linked to respiratory problems and other health hazards.

• Sustainability: The ongoing use of fossil fuels presents long-term environmental challenges.

 

Convenience and Infrastructure

Electric Cars

The charging infrastructure for electric cars is rapidly expanding, but it is still not as widespread as the network of petrol pumps. Urban centres are seeing more charging stations, yet rural areas might still pose a challenge.

 

• Charging stations: There are now over 10,000 public chargers across major cities in India.

• Charging time: Fast chargers can bring an EV to 80% capacity in 30-60 minutes, while home charging typically takes 6-8 hours.

• Planning required: With careful planning and installation of home chargers, the convenience factor for electric cars continues to improve.

 

Gas Cars

One of the enduring strengths of gas cars is their robust refuelling infrastructure. With thousands of petrol stations spread throughout India, refuelling is fast and reliable.

 

• Wide availability: Almost every town and city has access to petrol pumps.

• Quick refuelling: Refuelling a gas car usually takes only 2-5 minutes.

• Reliability: For long-distance journeys, the established network of fuel stations ensures you’re never far from a refill.

 

Future Prospects

Electric Cars

Looking ahead, the future of electric cars in India is very promising. Government policies are designed to boost EV adoption, and technological advancements are continually enhancing performance.

 

• Government vision: The goal is for 30% of all new vehicles to be electric by 2030.

• Technological breakthroughs: Improved battery technology is extending ranges to over 600 km per charge.

• Increasing affordability: With ongoing FAME II subsidies and other state incentives, the cost barrier is steadily decreasing.

• Electric vs gas cars: As the market evolves, the advantages of electric cars in terms of environmental benefits and lower running costs are becoming more pronounced.

 

Gas Cars

While gas cars still dominate many aspects of the market, they face growing challenges. With stricter emission norms and rising fuel costs, manufacturers are turning to innovations like hybrid technology to boost gas car efficiency.

 

• Efficiency improvements: New engine technologies are helping to improve mileage and reduce emissions.

• Hybrid models: Combining electric power with traditional combustion engines provides a transitional solution.

• Market uncertainty: Despite these innovations, the long-term future of gas cars remains under scrutiny as the world shifts towards cleaner energy.

 

Closing Thoughts

Choosing between electric cars and gas cars comes down to your priorities and lifestyle. If you value lower running costs, environmental benefits, and government incentives, then electric cars might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you require fast refuelling, long-distance reliability, and a lower upfront cost, gas cars continue to be a solid option.

 

For added peace of mind, consider protecting your investment with comprehensive insurance. Shriram Car Insurance provides tailor-made policies with speedy claim settlements, a No Claim Bonus, and dependable roadside assistance. Whether you drive electric cars or gas cars, Shriram Car Insurance ensures that you are covered every step of the way.

 

FAQs

1. Are electric cars more expensive than gas cars in India?

Initially, yes. Electric cars have a higher purchase price due to advanced battery technology, but lower running costs and FAME II subsidies make them more economical in the long run compared to gas cars.

 

2. How long do electric car batteries last?

Most EV batteries last between 8-10 years or cover around 1.5-2 lakh kilometres. Manufacturers usually provide warranties of a minimum of three years.

 

3. Is there sufficient charging infrastructure for electric cars?

While the network of charging stations is expanding, planning is necessary. Major cities provide over 10,000 chargers, and many owners install home chargers for added convenience.

 

4. Can electric cars handle long-distance travel?

Yes, although careful planning is required. Fast chargers and expanding infrastructure are making long journeys increasingly viable for electric cars.

 

5. What steps are being taken to improve gas car efficiency?

Manufacturers are adopting hybrid technology and exploring advanced engine designs to enhance gas car