Electric Cars vs Gas Cars: What the Future Holds

The automotive industry is standing at a turning point. According to BloombergNEF, electric vehicles (EVs) could make up 50% of all new car sales by 2035, while governments worldwide are setting deadlines to phase out gas-powered cars. But does this mean gasoline vehicles are finished? Not quite. The future of mobility is more nuanced, with EVs and gas cars coexisting for some time before one takes over. Let’s explore what’s ahead and what it means for drivers like you.

The Case for Electric Cars

EVs are quickly gaining momentum thanks to:

• Lower Running Costs – Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and EVs require less maintenance due to fewer moving parts.
• Sustainability – EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping countries meet climate goals.
• Government Incentives – Tax rebates, reduced registration fees, and subsidies make EV ownership more attractive.
• Innovation – Advances in solid-state batteries, ultra-fast charging, and autonomous driving will make EVs even more practical.

For urban drivers with reliable charging access, EVs already provide a superior daily experience.

Why Gas Cars Won’t Disappear Overnight

Despite their drawbacks, gas cars still hold advantages that keep them relevant in the near term:

• Long Range & Quick Refueling – Filling up at a gas station takes minutes, compared to longer EV charging times.
• Lower Purchase Price (For Now) – Many gas models are still cheaper upfront than comparable EVs.
• Infrastructure – Gas stations are everywhere, while charging networks remain uneven in many regions.
• Familiarity – Many drivers are hesitant to adopt new technology until it’s proven and widely supported.

For rural areas and countries with weak charging infrastructure, gas cars will remain the default for years to come.

Big Gas Car Companies: Who’s Moving Fast, Who’s Catching Up, and Who’s Lagging

The shift to EVs isn’t equal across the automotive industry. Different automakers are approaching the transition at different speeds:

Fast Movers: Aggressively Transitioning to EVs

• Tesla (already all-EV) – While not a legacy gas car company, Tesla set the benchmark that others now follow.
• BYD (China) – Transitioned from hybrids to fully electric at scale; currently the world’s top EV seller by volume.
• Volkswagen Group (Germany) – Committed over $100 billion to EV development, rolling out ID series and electrifying Audi/Porsche lines.
• Hyundai & Kia (South Korea) – Launching successful EVs like the Ioniq 5, EV6, and Kona EV with strong global adoption.

Steady Movers: Balancing Gas and EVs

• Ford (USA) – Pushing the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and expanding EV capacity, but still heavily dependent on gas trucks.
• General Motors (USA) – Plans to be all-electric by 2035, but currently balancing ICE models like Silverado with EVs like the Chevy Bolt and Hummer EV.
• BMW & Mercedes-Benz (Germany) – Expanding EV offerings (i-series, EQ models) while still producing profitable gas-powered luxury cars.
• Toyota (Japan) – Leader in hybrids (Prius), recently accelerating EV plans with bZ series and solid-state battery investments, but cautious in full EV adoption.

Slow Movers: Still Lagging Behind

• Honda (Japan) – Limited EV presence, relying on hybrids; first real EVs coming later this decade.
• Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat) – Announced EV plans but slow execution; Dodge and Jeep still heavily tied to gas SUVs/trucks.
• Mazda & Subaru (Japan) – Very limited EV lineups; mainly investing in hybrids.
• Some niche/luxury makers (Ferrari, Lamborghini) – Only beginning to explore EVs, focusing more on hybrids for now.

This uneven pace shows that while some carmakers are racing ahead, others are hedging bets until infrastructure, demand, and regulation push them harder.

The Transition Timeline

The future is not “EV vs gas” but rather a transition from gas dominance to EV mainstreaming:

• By 2030 – EV sales could make up 30–40% of new cars globally. Gas cars will still dominate roads, but resale values will decline.
• By 2035 – Many regions (EU, parts of the U.S., China) will phase out new gas car sales. EVs become the standard choice.
• By 2040+ – Gas cars will largely become niche vehicles, similar to how manual transmissions are today.

Costs, Ownership, and Resale Value

• EV Ownership – Higher upfront cost, but cheaper long-term thanks to savings on fuel and maintenance.
• Gas Car Ownership – Still cheaper to buy today, but rising fuel prices and government restrictions may hurt resale values.
• Resale Trends – As bans on ICE vehicles near, used gas cars will lose demand, while second-hand EVs will grow in popularity.

Which One Should You Buy Today?

• Choose an EV if: you drive mostly in cities, want to save on fuel, and have reliable charging access.
• Choose a gas car if: you often take long road trips, live in an area with weak charging infrastructure, or want a lower upfront cost.

Final Word

The future belongs to EVs—but gas cars won’t vanish immediately. Instead, we’re entering a decade of coexistence, where both technologies serve different needs. By 2040, the balance will likely tip decisively in favor of electric cars, but until then, the choice comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and access to charging infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will gas cars still exist after 2035?
Yes. While many regions (like the EU and parts of the U.S.) will ban the sale of new gas cars by 2035, existing gas cars will remain on the road for years. They’ll become less common over time as EV adoption increases.

Q2: Which automakers are leading the shift to EVs?
Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, and Hyundai-Kia are among the fastest movers. Ford, GM, BMW, and Toyota are transitioning steadily, while Honda, Mazda, and some luxury brands are slower to release EVs.

Q3: Are electric cars cheaper to own than gas cars?
Yes. EVs usually cost more upfront but save money long-term due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. Gas cars are cheaper to buy today but may lose resale value as bans on ICE vehicles approach.

Q4: Is now the right time to buy an EV?
If you drive mostly in cities and have access to charging, now is a great time to switch. If you travel long distances often and live in areas with weak charging infrastructure, waiting a few years for better affordability and charging networks might be smarter.

Q5: What will happen to gas stations when EVs take over?
Gas stations won’t disappear overnight. Many will evolve into mixed fueling hubs, offering both gasoline and EV charging until demand for gas eventually fades.