Electric Vs. Gasoline Cars: an In-Depth Comparison

Deciding between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles exemplifies consumer dilemmas in a dynamic market. This essay delves into the distinctions between these two types of cars, focusing on cost, market trends, and practicality. Through an analysis of these factors, conclusions can be drawn about which power source is a more viable investment in the current market landscape. Notably, the cost to own and operate an electric vehicle is approximately one-third that of a gasoline-powered car. This finding is based on averages within the United States and the current technological status of internal combustion engines and electric motors.

Significant economic shifts and substantial investments are being directed toward the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with major automakers such as Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors investing billions in research and development. Over the next 5 to 10 years, these investments are expected to yield a surge of new electric vehicles entering the market. However, practicality issues persist for electric cars due to their limited driving range and the scarcity of charging stations across the United States. Charging an electric vehicle takes about 30 minutes with a supercharger, which is significantly longer than filling a gasoline tank. Currently, given today's technology, purchasing an electric car may not be the most practical decision. However, as competition increases and technology advances, investing in an electric vehicle will become more sensible. If one is willing to wait a few years before purchasing, opting for an electric vehicle is advisable. Conversely, for immediate needs, a gasoline-powered car remains the preferable choice.

Introduction

Over the past decade, the presence of electric vehicles in the U.S. market has been gradually increasing, with a recent surge in growth. This essay compares gasoline and electric vehicles in terms of cost, efficiency, and practicality. Tesla Motors has been a major driving force behind the rise of electric vehicles, being the first to successfully introduce them to the mass market and pushing the boundaries of engineering for the time. Early electric cars were often sluggish and unattractive, with unappealing designs that deterred potential buyers. Companies like Toyota attempted to differentiate their designs, but Tesla managed to introduce vehicles that combined a long range, appealing design, and futuristic features. The growing interest in electric vehicles has prompted many major automakers to invest heavily in their development and research.

Before comparing the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, it is essential to understand the technology behind each power source to appreciate their capabilities and limitations.

Internal Combustion Engine

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a mechanical system that generates power by burning a mixture of air and fuel. It is widely used in automobiles but also finds applications in compressors and generators. A gasoline-powered internal combustion engine consists of four primary components: the piston, cylinder, valves, and spark plug. Each component plays a crucial role in the engine's four cycles: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The cycle begins with the piston moving downward in the cylinder during the intake stroke, drawing in an air-fuel mixture. Next, during the compression stroke, the intake valve closes, and the piston moves upward, compressing the mixture. Once the piston reaches the top-dead-center, the spark plug ignites the mixture, creating an explosion that drives the power stroke, sending the piston back downward. Finally, the exhaust cycle expels the combustion gases as the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves upward.

For the engine to initiate the four-stroke cycle, an electric starter cranks the pistons. The engine relies on a crankshaft to synchronize the pistons, ensuring that one piston is always in the power stroke while the other cycles. Diesel engines operate similarly, but they achieve ignition through higher compression, eliminating the need for a spark plug. Diesel engines tend to be more efficient due to the higher torque and power they produce with the same amount of fuel.

Electric Motor

The electric motor comprises four basic components: the rotor, bearings, stator, and housing. The rotor, a shaft that transmits power to the driving gears, typically contains conductors carrying a current. Bearings encase the rotor, allowing it to spin freely with minimal resistance. These high-quality bearings also protect the motor's internals from dirt and debris. The stator surrounds the rotor and usually contains copper windings or magnets. When current flows through the stator, it induces the rotor to spin. The more current that passes through the stator, the faster the rotor's angular velocity. All these components are housed within an aluminum casing, providing structure and protection.

Outlook

While gas and electric cars differ significantly in their operation, the driving experience remains largely similar, with most drivers only noticing the difference in sound. Automakers like Tesla excel at making electric vehicles nearly indistinguishable from their gasoline counterparts. However, there are several positive and negative factors that influence the choice between the two.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price of a car can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as brand, model, and specifications. Therefore, this report does not consider the initial purchase price but focuses on the cost of operating each type of vehicle. The cost of running a vehicle is a critical factor in comparing gasoline and electric cars, taking into account economic conditions and the average efficiency of each type. On average, a car owner in the United States drives about 15,000 miles per year. As of December 2018, the average cost of gasoline (89 octane) was $2.88 per gallon, with the average car achieving around 30 miles per gallon. This results in an annual fuel cost of approximately $1,440 for gasoline-powered vehicles. In contrast, the average cost of electricity on the American grid is $0.12 per kWh. Assuming the same annual mileage, charging an electric car costs about $540 per year on a home charger. This cost can vary depending on location and the use of quick chargers. Notably, Tesla provides free supercharging at official locations, further reducing costs for its customers. Overall, charging an electric car is about a third of the cost of fueling a gasoline vehicle annually.

Practicality

Practicality is a crucial consideration when purchasing a car. The gasoline internal combustion engine has long been the preferred choice due to its practicality. Engineers have refined the technology to near perfection, offering long ranges and quick refueling times, thanks to the extensive network of gas stations across the United States. However, fluctuating gas prices remain a drawback. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, offer decent ranges but fall short of gasoline-powered cars in terms of distance. Charging infrastructure is still limited, leading to range anxiety for many potential buyers. Long road trips require careful planning, as charging stations are primarily concentrated near major cities. A 240W power source can charge an electric vehicle in approximately 30 to 45 minutes, but this is still longer than refueling a gasoline car. Significant advancements in engineering are needed to reduce charging times to make electric vehicles more practical for long-distance travel.

Interview – Todd Picken

To gain insight into transitioning from a gasoline to an electric vehicle, I interviewed Todd Picken, the Treasurer of MassMutual. In 2011, Todd switched from a Toyota Corolla to a Chevy Volt, motivated by a desire to embrace electric vehicles while avoiding range anxiety. The Chevy Volt is unique in that it features a gas engine solely as a generator for the batteries, unlike hybrids where the gas engine is directly connected to the drivetrain. Todd primarily relies on the Volt's battery power, as his workplace is within the vehicle's range, which averages about 35 miles. While he appreciates the financial benefits, such as reduced fuel costs and free charging at work, he wishes for a longer range to eliminate the need for the gas engine entirely. Todd's experience highlights the challenges and benefits of electric vehicles, and he expresses a commitment to electric cars, though he prefers models with range extenders or generators for long-distance trips to places like Vermont. As technology improves, Todd believes electric vehicles will become increasingly appealing to a broader audience.

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