Which is better, electric car or gasoline car? (Comparison between electric car and gasoline car)

First Account: Travel Expenses

Assume an average office worker, Person 1, commutes 50 kilometers daily, totaling 1,500 kilometers per month. His fuel-powered car consumes 8 liters per 100 kilometers. With the price of 92-octane gasoline at $1.12perliter,hismonthlyfuelcostis$133.4. Person 2 drives an electric vehicle, consuming 15 kWh per 100 kilometers. Using a home charging station at $0.07perkWh,hismonthlyelectricitycostisonly$15.63. However, Person 1 often goes on road trips on weekends, with one-way trips exceeding 400 kilometers, while Person 2's electric vehicle has an actual range of only 350 kilometers, requiring a one-hour charge midway.

Second Account: Maintenance Expenses

A fuel-powered car requires regular maintenance such as oil and filter changes annually. For a $14,000familycar,theaverageannualmaintenancecostisabout$208.4. Electric vehicles have fewer maintenance items, with an average annual cost of about $\mathrm{70.1.}However,theissueofbatterydegradationinelectricvehiclescannotbeignored.After5yearsofuse,therangeofacertainbran{d}^{\prime }selectriccarhasdecreasedto75$8,400, equivalent to an annual hidden cost of $1,700.

Third Account: Experience

Electric cars have fast acceleration and are quieter and smoother for city commuting. Ms. Zhang's electric vehicle maneuvers easily through morning and evening rush hour traffic, with the automatic energy recovery function reducing braking frequency by 60%. However, Mr. Zhou, who is in the transport business, insists on driving a diesel vehicle: "I drive 500 kilometers on the highway every day, and refueling at a service station takes only 5 minutes before I can continue. Driving an electric car would require at least two charges, delaying my delivery time."

Recommendations: For city commuting, choosing an electric car is more cost-effective, saving $2,100 annually for 20,000 kilometers driven. For frequent long-distance travel, a fuel-powered car is more reliable, eliminating range anxiety. In cold regions, a hybrid model is recommended, balancing economy and practicality. Ultimately, the decision should be based on actual travel needs, as what suits you best is the best choice.