July 18 2023,
The combination of low emissions, high performance, and low driving costs has made electric vehicles an increasingly popular choice for everyday city jaunts and work commutes, but are EVs better for longer road trips than traditional gas models?
The answer is yes—as long as you plan your journey with your EV's features in mind. Here's what to consider when deciding between electric and gas powertrains for your next road trip.
1) Range and Convenience
Today's EVs have a vastly increased driving range compared to only a few years ago, frequently achieving as much as 500 km or more on a single charge. This distance makes all-electric road trips easier and more convenient than ever, with charging stops giving an ideal opportunity for rest and refreshment.
However, while finding a gas station to refill your tank is rarely a challenge, locating a suitable charging point isn't guaranteed if you're passing through remote rural areas. Nonetheless, most modern navigation software applications make it easy to find charging stops along your route, so you can check charging availability for your trip while you’re still in the planning stages.
2) Cost Considerations
While EVs are generally slightly more expensive than their gas equivalents up front, in the longer term their operating costs are substantially lower, particularly if the purchase or rental arrangement includes premium access to charging points. During a long road journey, the lower cost of an EV means the savings can add up quite quickly, allowing you to spend your cash on rewarding experiences and higher-quality accommodations.
3) Reliability
EVs have fewer moving parts and much higher mechanical reliability than gas models. If your trip is long, there's less chance of an EV breaking down than a gas model. On the other hand, minor issues in a gas vehicle are easily solved by almost any local mechanic, whereas an EV may need specialist attention, which can be harder to find outside of cities.
4) Drive Quality
EVs are smoother to drive than most gas vehicles, with easy acceleration combined with one-pedal operation in many models. This can make long journeys less tiring for the driver, and more comfortable for their passengers. Moreover, most EVs have extensive driver-assist features to make journeys even easier and safer, reducing stress associated with lengthy road trips.
5) Eco-Friendly Driving
Lastly, if you love the scenery you're driving through, an EV can give you peace of mind, knowing that there is a smaller environmental footprint associated with your trip. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs can reduce the impacts associated with travel on the places you visit, urban as well as rural.
So, which is right for you: electric or gas? In many cases, EVs have enough benefits to make them the preferred option. That said, gas vehicles can be more convenient if you're travelling in particularly remote areas, and they can also manage longer periods of uninterrupted driving.
Whichever powertrain you choose, your nearest Dilawri dealership has a full range of electric and gas models to help you find the ideal vehicle for your next road trip.
