Over the past few years, there has been an increased hike in the demand for electric cars. There are plenty of reasons behind this hike in demand. Electric vehicles effortlessly perform as combustion engine cars in numerous ways. There are more than them, and there are fewer moving components. The robust electric vehicles can give you a compelling driving experience. People ask, ‘Are electric cars faster than gas cars?’. The answer is yes; they have faster acceleration and greater horsepower. Also, they benefit the Environment in many ways. Plus, they are a one-time investment with great body and tech features. Along with that, they are proven to be faster than conventional vehicles.
There are many more benefits to discuss, but being faster is one of the main ones. This article will discuss how electric cars are faster than gas cars. After reading this article, you will know why the future of electric vehicles is bright. We will also discuss some other beneficial qualities of electric cars. Please keep reading.
Why are Electric Cars Faster Than Gas Cars?
As we said earlier, electric cars are faster than gas cars for many reasons. We will discuss those reasons in detail later. First, you must understand the difference between being fast and quick. Then you will get the answer: are electric cars faster than gas cars?
1- Fast vs Quick
This section will also discuss the speed of electric vs. gasoline cars. Generally, in racing terminology, ‘quick’ refers to the period it takes to get from point A to point B. On the other hand, ‘fast’ means the maximum speed a vehicle reaches. For example, in drag racing, the faster car hits a higher speed throughout the race, but the quicker car reaches the finish point first. Electric vehicles can be faster than combustion engine cars. However, it is also true that electric vehicles cannot go faster. Gasoline vehicles have an advantage of performance when those top speeds are maintained for longer durations.
However, electric vehicles generate way more torque than gasoline cars, which is crucial. The prime reason for its significance is that torque is the main thing that drives the car forward. Furthermore, the electric vehicle’s motor eradicates the need for a conventional transmission in numerous modern designs. The power goes directly to the wheels for instant acceleration, making electric vehicles quicker at the start.
On the contrary, the gas-powered vehicle has to route the power first to the transition and, after that, to the wheels. This procedure is time-consuming and also wastes zero to 60 potential. Some of the engine’s energy (usually about 15%) is also wasted travelling through the powertrain, called powertrain loss. They were moving further to discuss why electric vehicles are faster. This will also answer the question, ‘Are electric cars faster than gas?
2- Electric Cars Have Greater Horsepower Than Petrol Cars
We will answer yes if you ask, ‘Are electric cars powerful?’. Let us tell you why. Horsepower (hp) is the power that a vehicle’s engine generates. When the horsepower of a car is higher, the vehicle’s speed is also more robust and faster. Electric cars are operated by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine.
Besides, an average car’s horsepower is around 120hp. On the contrary, the Tesla Model S generates torque between 360-470hp. This is because electric vehicles produce quick linear torque and have more horsepower. When the accelerator is pushed, the motors quickly give power to the wheels. For this reason, if you do electric vs petrol cars power, electric vehicles will win.
3- Electric Vehicles Accelerate Quicker Than Gas Cars
Electric cars with a single-gear transmission can hit a maximum torque of 0 km an hour. It is because the power from the battery goes to the wheels faster, resulting in quick acceleration. In terms of EV vs gas car efficiency, electric cars are more efficient, too. In electric vehicles, 85% to 90% of their energy is utilized for car movement. At the same time, the gas has converted only 17%-21% of its energy into speed and motion. In simple words, fewer moving parts on an electric car means less wasted energy.
Other Reasons Why Electric Cars are Better Than Gas Cars
Many other reasons will answer the query ‘Are electric cars faster than gas cars?’. Please keep reading to know them.
1- Better for the Environment
Now, let’s discuss the environmental impact of EVs compared to petrol cars. One of the main benefits of electric vehicles is that they benefit the Environment. Electric cars generate considerably lesser toxic emissions than gas cars. They produce fewer emissions throughout their lifetime, which makes electric cars a robust tool in the war against climate change. Moreover, with no toxic emissions, electric vehicles can also help reduce air pollution.
2- Cost Saving
Transportation is the second largest expense after housing, at least for most Americans. Exchanging gas cars for electric cars can save an average of $770 manually on fuel alone. For instance, a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV requires 28kWh of electricity to drive 100 miles as per its EPA efficiency rating. For example, according to its EPA efficiency rating, a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV needs 28 kWh of electricity to go 100 miles. If the electric vehicle owner drives 15,000 miles annually, 2,000 miles more than the average driver, they will require 4,200 kWh to power the Bolt.
Utilizing the average expense of electricity in America (12.47 cents per kWh), the Bolt will cost $525.00 annually to fuel. In contrast, today’s average new ICE vehicle sold in America is 24.7. The average new ICE car sold in the US today gets 24.7 mpg. Meanwhile, the average cost of a gallon of gas is %2.72; therefore, driving 15,000 miles annually would equal $1650.00 in fuel expenses. This is way more than Bolt owners will spend to energize their cars. Now, if we compare the cost of owning an electric car vs. a petrol car, we see that owning an electric vehicle is cheaper.
3- Gas Cars vs Electric Cars
We have made a tabular comparison of acceleration and performance. We have also included an electric car performance comparison with gas cars. Plus, we have also done a range comparison of electric vs. petrol cars.
Aspect | Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Gasoline Cars |
Acceleration | Typically faster due to instant torque | Acceleration varies by model |
Torque | Instant torque from a standstill | Typically, lower torque at low speeds |
Top Speed | Can achieve high speeds | Can achieve high speeds |
Gear Shifting | No gears, smoother acceleration | Manual or automatic gears |
Noise | Quieter operation | Engine noise present |
Maintenance | Fewer moving parts, less maintenance | Regular maintenance required |
Emissions | Zero tailpipe emissions | Emissions depend on fuel type |
Range | Range varies by model and battery capacity | Range varies by model and fuel efficiency |
Conclusion
Exchanging gas cars with electric cars is a great way to reduce transport emissions. Also, in this way, you can help fight climate change. Also, switching to an electric vehicle will benefit you as it is quicker than gas cars. We have explained above why electric vehicles are faster than gas cars. Moreover, we have compared electric torque to petrol cars to make you understand better. Now you know why electric vehicles are better than gas cars.
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I am Muhammad Waqas and I am dedicated to promoting sustainable vehicles. Observing EV trends, studying the intricacies of the EV industry, and promoting new EV launches fall under my expertise. I have been working in this field for 5 years and making efforts for a sustainable and healthier future.