Electric Cars vs. Petrol Cars: Which is Better for Long Road Trips?

Electric_Cars_or_Petrol_Cars

Summary

Electric car vs petrol car, a debate that has been going on for decades now. With so many good options in both electric and petrol cars it’s normal to get confused over which car is best suited for long road trips. So let’s get straight into it and find out all the pros and cons of getting a petrol or electric car for long road trips.

Comparison Between an Electric Car vs a Petrol Car

Understanding the differences between an electric car and a petrol car is essential to make the right choice. This comparison highlights cost, performance, and long road trip suitability in India.

⚡ Electric Car

Fuel Source & Cost

Runs on electricity stored in batteries. Average cost per km: ₹0.69 – ₹1.0. Example: Tata Nexon EV.

Environmental Impact

Produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it eco-friendly.

Price & Maintenance

Lower running costs with fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance.

Charging

Needs charging stations. Limited availability on highways in India and longer charging times.

Performance

Smooth, quiet ride with instant torque and quick acceleration.

⛽ Petrol Car

Fuel Source & Cost

Runs on petrol. Average cost per km: ₹6.1 – ₹7.3 depending on mileage.

Environmental Impact

Emits CO₂ and pollutants, contributing to air pollution.

Price & Maintenance

Higher fuel costs and requires frequent servicing due to complex engines.

Refueling

Refuels in minutes with widespread petrol stations across India.

Performance

Strong engine performance, higher top speeds but slower initial acceleration.

Both electric and petrol cars have unique benefits. If you want eco-friendly and cost-efficient city driving, go for an electric car. For long-distance travel and convenience, petrol cars are still the more practical option in India.

Pros and Cons of Electric Cars vs Petrol Cars for Road Trips

Consider these pros and cons of electric cars and petrol cars for road trips to make sure your trip goes smoothly without any worries or troubles.

Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Pros
  • Smooth and Quiet Ride: The instant torque offers smooth acceleration with minimal noise, enhancing comfort during long drives.
  • Lower Maintenance Needs: Fewer moving parts reduce the chances of mechanical failure and lower servicing frequency on long trips.
Cons
  • Long Charging Times: Recharging the battery takes significantly longer than refueling petrol cars.
  • Charging Infrastructure Gaps: EVs have few charging stations that are not easily accessible in remote or less-developed areas, complicating long trips.

Pros and Cons of Petrol Cars for Road Trips

Pros
  • Longer Driving Range:  Fuel efficient rental cars

    allow extended trips without frequent refueling, ideal for long journeys through areas with few stops.
  • Quick Refueling: Filling up a petrol tank takes just a few minutes, making pit stops fast and convenient.
Cons
  • Environmental Impact: Petrol engines emit greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to air pollution.
  • More Maintenance: Petrol cars require regular servicing and engine maintenance which adds to the long-term costs and inconvenience.

Which Is Faster, A Petrol Car Or An Electric Car?

Electric cars accelerate faster than petrol cars due to instant torque from their electric motors. However, petrol cars usually have higher top speeds and often outperform EVs in longer drag races. So, EVs win in quick starts, petrol cars in overall top speed.

Electric Car Or Petrol Car Which One Is Better For You?

Electric or petrol car rental depends on your needs. Choose electric for eco-friendly, cost-effective city drives with smooth acceleration. Opt for petrol for longer trips needing quick refuels and wide fuel station access. Consider your trip length, convenience, and budget to pick the best ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's

Got questions? We have the perfect answers for you!

  • 1. What is the overall difference between electric cars vs petrol cars?

    The main difference between electric cars and petrol cars is that electric vehicles run off batteries, whereas petrol cars run off fuel.

  • 2. How do electric cars vs petrol cars cost?

    Electric cars will have higher upfront costs, but much lower fuel and maintenance costs afterwards. Petrol cars-offer lower upfront cost, but more expensive to run long-term.

  • 3. What are the pros of electric cars vs petrol cars for a road trip?

    EVs are quiet, running emission-free on the road and provide lower cost per km. Petrol cars allow for a longer range and run quicker-to-refuel, which has always been an essential thing on a long-distance drive.

  • 4. What are the average running costs of EV and petrol cars compared per km?

    Cost per km of electric cars in India are around ₹0.7-1, while petrol cars cost more, around ₹6-7 per km, making EVs a far more affordable car on a daily basis.

  • 5. Which car is faster, petrol car or electric car?

    Electric cars boast immediate torque and can thus accelerate faster than petrol cars, whereas petrol cars are much faster at the top end, which is what you want for drag racing on long distances.

  • 6. Are there electric cars in India that are under 10 lakhs?

    Yes, cars like the MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV available under ₹10 lakh, have made EVs more affordable in India.