Electric vs petrol cars: a comprehensive comparison

Electric vs petrol cars: which is the better choice for your car subscription?

Choosing between an electric car and a petrol car for your car subscription involves several factors to consider. Some of the most important are cost, range, environmental impact, and driving experience.  

Let’s take a look at the comparisons in more detail. 

What is an electric car? 

An electric car (often referred to as EVs or BEVs) is a vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery pack instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. It produces no emissions and requires charging from a charging point. 

What is a petrol car? 

A petrol car is a vehicle that runs on petrol fuel. It typically has an internal combustion engine that converts the energy from the fuel into mechanical energy, which powers the car. 

Electric vs petrol cars: an overview

The UK saw over 265,000 battery-electric cars registered in 2022. And with a market share of 13% of all new car registrations, electric cars are becoming the eco-buyers’ drive of choice. 

A flexible and cost-effective option of driving an electric car is an all-inclusive car subscription. This way, you can test out an EV to see if it fits your lifestyle, with no commitment. For instance, choose an electric car, drive it for six months, then change it for a petrol car if you so wish. The choice (and freedom) is yours. 

An all-inclusive rolling contract for an electric car includes everything in the monthly fee - tax, insurance, servicing, new tyres, breakdown cover, and maintenance - all in. 

Electric vs petrol: what is cheaper? 

Electric vs petrol cars have different costs and savings associated with them, which can impact your decision on which type of car to choose. 

Some of the main factors to consider include:

‍Purchase price

Electric cars tend to have a higher purchase price than petrol cars due to the cost of the battery and other components. However, the cost of electric cars has been decreasing over time, so this is not always the case. 

‍Running costs

Electric cars have lower running costs due to running on electricity than petrol. These car types typically require less maintenance than petrol alternatives. This is because petrol cars require regular oil changes, filter replacements, and other maintenance costs that can significantly add up over time.

‍Fuel costs

In terms of fuel costs, it’s generally thought that in most cases electric cars are cheaper to run compared with their petrol counterparts. However, there are many variables to consider, such as the current cost of petrol and electric and how this varies by supplier. As well as the particular vehicle and how it is driven.

‍Tax incentives

Eco-friendly transportation is an initiative that the government is keen for drivers to adopt. To this end, government grants are offered as an incentive to help individuals and businesses buy electric vehicles or install charging points. 

Other subsidies and tax incentives for electric cars include lower or zero vehicle excise duty (VED) and exemption from road fund licences (RFL). 

‍Depreciation 

Electric car depreciation tends to be at a slower rate, as these vehicle types have a longer lifespan and are less affected by changes in petrol prices.

Whether you choose electric or petrol, you’ll get great value for money with a car subscription, as everything is taken care of for you in one monthly payment. 

Performance and convenience of electric vs petrol cars 

The performance elements of your decision between electric vs petrol typically include acceleration, top speed, and handling. Whilst convenience looks at charging and fuelling, range, maintenance, and availability.

‍Acceleration

Electric cars generally have better acceleration due to their instant torque, which can create a more exhilarating driving experience.

‍Top speed

Petrol cars often have higher top speeds than electric cars, although this is less essential for everyday driving.

‍Handling

Electric cars have lower centres of gravity and better weight distribution, which can make for improved handling and cornering.

‍Charging/fuelling

This element depends on your location and how easy it is to charge an EV. Electric charging points are popping up more frequently all the time, and if you’ve got access to an off-peak overnight electricity tariff, you can charge your electric car overnight for minimal cost.

‍Range

Electric cars have a limited range compared to petrol cars, so you need to plan trips a little more carefully than with a petrol alternative. However, the range of electric cars is improving rapidly, and many electric cars now have ranges of over 200 miles.

‍Maintenance

Less moving parts equals less maintenance for electric vehicles.  

‍Availability 

In some areas, electric cars may be more popular than petrol cars, leading to a greater availability of electric cars. Conversely, in areas where petrol cars are more popular, there may be more petrol cars available. 

Regardless of whether you choose electric vs petrol, you are sure to find the right car for you with a Drive Fuze car subscription. 

Maintenance and insurance is included with your Drive Fuze car subscription, as well as roadside assistance, together with your choice of a variety of electric or petrol car options. Eliminate the hassle of car ownership and embrace the freedom to change with a flexible and convenient car subscription.  

Environmental impact of electric vs petrol cars

When it comes to environmental impact, the winner is clear. Electric cars produce zero emissions while driving, and they don't contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main contributors to climate change. A reduced dependence on fossil fuels and noise pollution make electric cars an attractive alternative to petrol cars. 

Moreover, electric cars are more energy-efficient than gas-powered cars, as they use less energy to travel the same distance. This reduces the amount of energy needed to power transportation and helps to preserve natural resources.

One of the main advantages of electric cars is that they emit no tailpipe emissions, which can have a significant impact on local air quality. Petrol cars emit a range of pollutants, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to climate change and poor air quality.

However, both electric and petrol cars can have environmental impacts when it comes to batteries. Electric cars require large batteries, which can have a higher environmental impact due to the mining and processing of the materials needed to make them. However, the environmental impact of manufacturing electric cars is decreasing as battery technology improves and becomes more efficient. Petrol cars require large amounts of energy to produce, and their manufacturing process generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. 

If the electricity for electric cars is generated from renewable sources like wind or solar, then they have a much lower carbon footprint than petrol cars. If the electricity comes from fossil fuels, then the environmental benefits of electric cars are reduced.

By driving an electric car, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment.

Technology and innovation of electric vs petrol cars

Innovative technology in the electric car space means that modern electric cars can typically travel over 200 miles on a single charge, with some models achieving over 300 miles. Faster charging technology has also enhanced the performance of electric cars - some fast-charging stations can charge an electric car in just 30 minutes or less. 

Some electric cars are also equipped with regenerative braking technology - this feature captures energy from the brakes and uses it to charge the battery. Energy-efficient systems such as advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure have increased the range and generated faster charging times. 

Autonomous driving technology is being developed for both electric and petrol cars, such as collision avoidance features powered by cameras and sensors. Electric cars often have the edge on this type of technology due to more sophisticated connectivity and software features - as well as more advanced sensors.  

Whilst petrol cars use internal combustion engines powered by petrol or diesel, electric cars use electric motors powered by batteries. To this end, electric cars are typically more efficient and require fewer moving parts than petrol cars - making them more reliable with less maintenance.

By choosing a car subscription, you gain access to the latest and most advanced models and features available on the market today.  

Ownership and resale value of electric vs petrol Cars 

Ownership and resale value are important factors to consider when deciding between driving an electric or a petrol car.

The main factors include:

‍Maintenance

Electric cars have lower operating costs than petrol cars due to their higher efficiency and lower maintenance requirements. For example, electric cars don't require oil changes, and their brakes last longer because they use regenerative braking.

‍Repair costs

Because electric cars rely on batteries, they can be costly to replace if they fail or degrade. However, many electric car manufacturers offer warranties that can cover replacement battery costs for a certain period of time.

Electric cars have more complex electrical systems than petrol cars, which can make repairs more expensive and time-consuming. However, many of the components in electric cars are designed to be modular and easily replaceable, which can help reduce repair costs.

‍Resale value

Electric cars generally have a higher resale value than petrol cars due to their newer technology and lower mileage. Some areas offer electric car purchase incentives that can increase their resale value, too. 

Electric vs petrol cars - the pros & cons 

Now we’ve explored the differences in detail, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of electric vs petrol cars at a glance. 

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Making the best choice for your car subscription 

Choosing an electric or petrol car for your car subscription comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. Both are great choices, and with a Drive Fuze flexible, all-inclusive car subscription, you can’t go wrong with either. 

A car subscription gives you the freedom to focus on what’s important to you - so whether that’s an eco-friendly drive or a car with longer driving range - you’ve got the freedom to live life on your terms.

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