Electric Car or Petrol Car - Decoding the Benefits and Drawbacks

Should you go green with an Electric Vehicle (EV) or choose affordability with a petrol car? Deciding between an electric car and a petrol car can be overwhelming. While EVs have many benefits, petrol cars have their share of positives too. This blog lists the differences between electric car and petrol car to help you choose the right car for you. Read on!  

What is an Electric Car?

An electric car operates entirely or partially on electric power and features the following components:

• Rechargeable batteries
• A transmission
• An electric motor, etc.

The battery stores and transmits electricity to the engine via a controller, powering the engine to drive the wheels silently. This process converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, propelling the car without generating significant noise. With little to no noise, you can enjoy a quiet and easy ride in your electric car. Since there is no fuel or no harmful emissions, EVs contribute to maintaining a cleaner atmosphere. 

What is a Petrol Car?

A petrol-powered car is equipped with the following crucial components: 

• An Internal Combustion (IC) engine
• A transmission
• The driveshaft
• The axles
• A differential, etc.

The Internal Combustion (IC) engine initiates fuel combustion to propel the vehicle. It also ignites a mixture of petrol and air through spark plugs, generating mechanical energy. This energy is then transferred to the transmission, which conveys power to the wheels via driveshafts and a differential. 

Electric Car vs Petrol Car: The Key Differences 

With a better understanding of what electric cars and petrol-powered cars are and how they function – let us now discuss some points of difference between the two. The table below lists differences between Electric Car vs Petrol Car:

Parameters	Petrol Vehicles	Electric Vehicles
Fuel Source	Petrol	Electricity
Emissions	Emits CO2 and other pollutants	Zero tailpipe emissions
Running Cost	Higher, due to fluctuating petrol prices	Lower, due to cheaper electricity
Performance	Can be noisy, vibration, gradual acceleration	Smoother, quieter, instant torque
Maintenance Cost	Higher, due to complex engine and fuel system	Generally lower, with fewer moving parts
Range	Wide range, readily available refuelling stations	Limited compared to petrol cars, but improving rapidly
Upfront Cost	Lower than most EVs but tax benefits not available for loans	Generally higher than petrol cars, but can avail of tax benefits for loans
Car Cost	Less expensive than Electric cars but fuel and maintenance costs may increase over time	More Expensive but there are no fuel costs associated
Registration Cost	You will be required to pay a registration fee – which will be a percentage of the car’s total price.	No registration charges
Government subsidies	The government provides subsidies on petrol-powered cars.	The central government avails an e-vehicle subsidy to make EVs more mainstream. It is offered under the national FAME-II scheme.  Policies have also been formulated at the state level to boost the use of EVs.

Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Here’s a quick glance at the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. Take a look!

Advantages of an Electric Car:

• Electric cars exhibit exceptional energy efficiency, maximising electrical power utilisation.
• With almost zero emission levels, electric cars contribute significantly to environmental sustainability.
• Electric cars are known for delivering top-notch performance on the road, enhancing your overall driving efficiency and experience. 
• As electric cars feature a simple design with fewer moving parts – they require much less maintenance effort, making them an economical car option.

Disadvantages of Electric Cars:

• Electric cars necessitate several hours for battery charging, which can be perceived as a drawback in terms of time efficiency.
• Electric vehicles are more expensive to buy compared to petrol vehicles.
• The replacement of electric vehicle batteries is a costly affair, contributing to long-term ownership expenses.
• Electric cars can only cover shorter distances as they run on batteries. Without EV charging stations around, they impose constraints on long-distance travel.
• The installation of charging points for electric cars can be expensive, potentially adding to the overall ownership expenditure.

Also Read: CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel - Which Car is the Best to Buy?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Petrol Cars

The following are the most critical advantages and disadvantages of buying a petrol car:

Advantages of Petrol Cars:

• Conventional petrol cars are available at budget-friendly prices, making them accessible to a broad consumer base.
• Petrol engines have a longer lifespan compared to electric motors found in Electric Vehicles (EVs).
• The widespread availability of petrol fuel stations ensures convenient refuelling, eliminating concerns about running out of fuel.
• The market provides a diverse selection of petrol vehicles, offering consumers a wide range of options.
• A widespread network of service centres and the availability of skilled mechanics simplify the process of availing services as a petrol car owner.
• Conventional cars powered by petrol can cover long distances on a single tank of fuel, providing added convenience for extended journeys.

Disadvantages of Petrol Cars

• The maintenance cost of these vehicles tends to be higher owing to the intricate nature of mechanical components.
• Petrol engine-powered cars incur higher running costs as petrol is comparatively more expensive than electrical energy.
• The combustion of petrol in these engines produces harmful carbon emissions, contributing to environmental pollution.

Electric vs Petrol Car: Which is Better?

To answer your question regarding “Electric vs Petrol Car - which is better,” you must consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with both. You must choose depending on your specific needs and location. To sum it up, here is why you should choose either:
1. EVs For Daily Commute
If your daily driving involves commuting to work, especially in a metro city, an Electric Vehicle (EV) is a practical solution. If you are willing to invest in it, it is a convenient choice.
2. Petrol Cars as an All-in-One Car
If you seek a versatile, all-in-one car capable of delivering high performance, an EV may not be the most practical choice. The charging infrastructure is not yet widely available, posing a challenge. Opting for a petrol car, on the other hand, will prove to be a more cost-effective solution. 

To Conclude 

Choosing between electric car and petrol car is a nuanced decision which requires a thorough understanding of their differences, advantages, and drawbacks. While EVs are great for daily commute, a petrol car is an affordable option. Weigh the pros and cons of both types of car before making a decision. 
For those starting out or looking to avoid substantial upfront investments, opting for a used car would be a viable option. For affodable funding option, choose a trusted NBFC like Poonawalla Fincorp. Get a Car Loan for Second Hand car at competitive interest rates, a flexible repayment tenure, quick loan approval. Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric vs Petrol Car

1.    Is an electric car better than a petrol car?
While petrol cars have a lower upfront cost, their long-term expenses for fuel and maintenance increase. Electric cars, though pricier initially, save money in the long run with lower charging costs compared to petrol.
2.    What is the biggest problem in owning an EV in India?
Inadequate charging infrastructure poses the biggest challenges for EV owners, leading to range anxiety and limited travel options.
3.    Which is faster, a petrol or an electric car?
The combustion-powered engine of a petrol car enables it to achieve higher running speeds, making it faster than an electric car.
4.    Do electric cars have gears?
Electric cars have a single-gear system, meaning they always have an automatic transmission. 
5.    Are electric cars more affordable than petrol cars in India?
Presently, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are pricier than petrol-engine cars in India due to the higher cost of their batteries.

Disclaimer

We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Pre-Owned Car Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.
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