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. The electric vehicles are effortlessly to perform the combustion engine cars in numerous ways. They are more than them and have fewer moving components. The robust electric cars 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. Plus, 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 because there are many reasons behind it. Further we will discuss those reasons in detail. 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
In this part, we will also discuss electric vs gasoline cars speed. 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 have the capability of being 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 torque is the main thing that drives the car forward. Furthermore, the electric vehicles’ motor eradicates the need for a conventional transmission in numerous modern designs. It is because the power goes directly to the wheels for instant acceleration. In this way, it makes 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 traveling through the powertrain, called powertrain loss. Moving further to discuss why electric vehicles are faster. This will also answer the question, ‘Are electric cars faster than gas cars?
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 vehicles 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 cars efficiency, the 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 talk about the environmental impact of EV vs petrol cars. One of the renown main benefits of electric vehicles is they benefit the environment. Electric cars generate considerably lesser toxic emissions as compared to gas cars. They produce less emissions throughout their lifetime. It is the reason that 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
The expense of transportation is the second largest expense after housing, at least for the majority of Americans. Exchanging gas cars for an electric car 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 cost %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 do the overall comparison of the cost of owning electric vs petrol car, owning an electric vehicle is cheaper.
3- Gas Cars vs Electric Cars
We have made a tabular comparison in terms of acceleration and performance. We have also included an electric car performance comparison with gas cars. Plus, we have also done a range comparison 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 your transport emissions. Also, in this way, you can help fight climate change. Also, switching to an electric vehicle will be beneficial for you as it is quicker than gas cars. We have explained above why are electric cars faster than gas cars. Moreover, we have compared electric car torque vs petrol cars to make you understand better. Now you know why electric cars are better than gas cars.
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I am Fariz Chandio, with a passion for sustainable transportation. I’m a seasoned electric vehicle expert. Having around 4 years of experience in this field, I’ve been boasting a wealth of knowledge in the rapidly growing EV industry. My expertise covers electric vehicle technology, related market trends, and charging infrastructure. I highly dedicate myself to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions, contributing to a more sustainable and greener future.
