With the focus on sustainability and ESG consumption and investments on the rise, global electric car sales doubled in 2021, increasing from 3 million in 2020 to 6.6 million according to Statista. But aside from sustainability and air pollution, what are some other key differences between electric and gas cars? The team at Majestic Corporation has put together a few contrasts, from structure, costs to maintenance, between electric cars and gas cars.

Electric cars

The most important difference between electric cars vs. gas cars is that electric cars, or electric vehicles (EVs), are automatic cars powered by an electric motor. Fully electric cars do not require or run on petrol or diesel engines. So, naturally, they operate with less noise and have a smoother acceleration and deceleration because they don’t have gears like gas cars. 

When the driver steps on an electric car’s accelerator, the car’s power is transferred from the battery to the electric motor. And when the driver steps on the brake pedal, the car decelerates and the power is then sent back to the battery. As a result, electric cars generally require less energy in stop-and-go city traffic. 

Do electric cars use gas?

In short, some electric cars don’t need gas, but some do. 

There are different types of electric cars on the market. The ones that run solely on electricity are called Pure Electric Vehicles, which don’t use gas. But with developed technology, there are now Hybrid Electric Vehicles, also known as Hybrids, which use electric-powered engines but can also run on petrol or diesel. 

Gas cars (also known as ICE cars)

What is an ICE car? Well, ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, and ICE cars are powered by a regular internal combustion engine. To move, ICE vehicles need to burn fuel, such as petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gasses. ICE cars are much more common on the road at the moment.

Electric cars vs. gas cars costs

Cost is one of the biggest differentiators and factors of consideration when it comes to the debate between electric cars vs. gas cars. From charging an electric car to cost per mile to drive, this section touches on some of the important considerations for electric cars vs. gas cars costs.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Owners of ICE cars are no stranger to the surge in gas prices worldwide. The cost of gas eats up a chunk of their wallet, and they may consider how or whether electric cars are cheaper in the long run because they don’t run on fuel. But how much does it cost to charge an electric car?

According to a study conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2020, it is cheaper to refuel electric cars vs. gas cars. The study concluded that the US national average to charge an electric car is US$0.15 per kWh. The DOE calculated that this value equated to saving as much as US$14,500 over 15 years on fuel costs.

How much does gas cost per mile?

The cost per mile to drive an ICE car depends on how far the car is driven, the car's model and other factors like the weather. But, the American Automobile Association (AAA) data shows that on average, it can range from US$0.10 to US$0.60 or more per mile to drive. 

One reason why refueling gas cars is more expensive is that ICE vehicles are more inefficient in the way it utilizes fuel. Only up to 30-35% of the energy from the fuel is actually converted into energy to drive the car. So essentially, some money spent on the fuel goes to waste.

Why are electric cars so expensive?

Electric cars are costly. One major reason is that they require a battery made of more expensive raw materials. Electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, just like laptops, mobile phones and other items that use rechargeable batteries. But the battery in electric vehicles are much larger, so they cost a lot more. In addition, making the battery of an electric car is also more expensive than building and putting together the ICE of a gas car. 

South China Morning Post (SCMP) recounts that currently, the soaring prices of lithium, a key material used in electric car batteries, are forcing car manufacturers to raise prices for buyers to cover the higher costs. This has been due to the tight supply but increasing demand for lithium.

That said, electric cars are a lot more efficient in using energy. Compared to gas cars, about 60% of the electrical energy from the battery powers the car. This helps electric car owners save up on charging costs in the long run.

Electric cars vs. gas cars maintenance

Now, let’s consider maintenance between electric cars vs. gas cars. 

Electric car maintenance

According to the DOE study referenced above, electric car maintenance appears to be cheaper, precisely US$0.04 cheaper per mile. This equates to another US$8,000 in savings for electric car owners throughout 200,000 miles. This makes sense because electric cars have fewer technical moving components than ICE cars, so there is less to fix.

ICE car maintenance

ICE car owners can probably relate to the nuisance of taking their car for repair. ICE vehicles have many moving mechanical components under the hood that are more easily subject to wear and tear. These parts also have a higher chance of breaking down. 

Generally, Carro, Singapore's number one car marketplace, recommends ICE car owners to service the car every year or every 10,000 km, whichever comes first. On the other hand, electric cars can be sent for servicing every two years, which will cost less for maintenance. 

Conclusion

There are advantages and disadvantages to electric cars and gas cars, but when it comes to production, purchasing or recycling car parts, it is important to understand the inner components of both types of vehicles and how they function.

While Majestic Corporation buys and recycles catalytic converters and work closely with ICE cars, it is still important to understand how ICE vehicles compare against electric cars. Majestic has been a leading precious metals recyclers, non-ferrous metals and Catalytic converter provider for around three decades. With a presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and more, as well as a network of precious metals refineries around the world, we work with major customers and partners in a transparent and discrete manner and only offer the highest quality services at competitive prices. 

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