The age of the gasoline vehicle may be coming to an end as 12 states have passed legislation banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles. The internal combustion engine has come so far in over 100 years that drivers have grown to appreciate its needs, flaws, and strengths.
A Transition
The wave of legislation embracing the zero emissions produced by electric vehicles has resulted in the cancellation of many beloved cars over the past few years. Dodge introduced several “Last Call” editions of their popular Charger and Challenger muscle cars, which feature lots of horsepower, before canceling the line in 2024. Dodge will replace these vehicles with similar electric models.
It’s the same story across many manufacturers as they face pressure to raise their average miles per gallon ratings. Still, many car buyers are holding out and buying gas-powered vehicles while they still can.
Here are 14 things you’ll miss about gasoline-powered cars once they are gone.
Refueling Speed
Electric vehicles have improved their charging times but haven’t reached the speed of refueling gas-powered vehicles. Most gas-powered vehicles that aren’t huge trucks take about two minutes to fill up. That’s barely enough time to get a squeegee and wash your windows.
Towing Capacity
Sure, towing does take more gas than regular driving, but at least gasoline-powered trucks and SUVs can tow more. And while it is true that the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian trucks are capable of towing vehicles with a maximum weight of 11,000 pounds, they don’t quite match up with a heavy-duty truck, which can haul more at up to 16,000 pounds. Also, at over $100,000, the Rivian will cost you way more than a typical heavy-duty truck.
Sound
Between the engine sound and a vehicle starting up, many drivers will miss the audible cues of a vehicle working. Some electric vehicle manufacturers have put sound into electric vehicles to make them seem more familiar, but it’s fair to say the growl of a gas-powered engine will be missed.
Jump Starts
To be fair, you probably won’t miss having to do jump starts. What you might miss is the relative ease of jump-starting a gas car. All you need is a jumper cable and another running vehicle or battery pack. You’ll need more time, upwards of 20 minutes, to jump-start an EV, while gas-powered vehicles can be jumped right away and then rely on the alternator.
Home Repairs
Home mechanics keep their repair costs low and their interest in tinkering and machines high by fixing up their own vehicles. While gas-powered vehicles have become more like rolling computers over the years, an experienced person can do most repairs on their own. Electric vehicles require more specialized training, which mostly rules out the idea of working on your own vehicle.
Gas-Powered Vehicles Are Less Prone to Hackers
Internal combustion engines have fewer electronics, and short of putting your debit card into a pump that could have a skimmer, aren’t very vulnerable to hackers. With nearly everything in an EV controlled through computers and software and relying entirely on the local electric grid, yes, they are more likely to be hacked.
Longer Lives
You still see classic cars on the road for a reason. Engine parts can be easily replaced and aren’t all that expensive, especially if you do it yourself. Electric vehicles don’t quite work like that. The battery will last hopefully beyond their eight to ten-year warranty, but they will likely have a reduced range with modern technology and cost thousands to replace. Unless you completely let a gas-powered engine die, it’s possible to get it going again for less.
Shifting
Electric vehicles don’t have a transmission and amount to a single speed. For some, this is a recipe for smooth acceleration. For others, it’s missing the little bump you get that says you are moving up another gear. Manual drivers will certainly miss the real control you get from pushing down the clutch, shifting, and letting go. It’s just more fun that way.
Cold Operation
Driving in cold temperatures significantly reduces the range of electric vehicles by up to 40% and slows down the charging process. Gas-powered vehicles only lose 20% or less. Electrics take a big hit for people who already have range anxiety.
Reliability
Electric cars are more complex than gasoline-powered vehicles, which automakers have had over a century to get right. Sure, while gas-powered cars still have problems, electric vehicle owners acknowledge that there is some uncertainty about quality control and future maintenance costs for electric vehicles.
Flexibility During Outages
Electric charging stations, as the name indicates, rely on electricity. If a storm rolls through and your home electricity goes out, you’ll have to research which local stations have backup power or go out and find out for yourself. Currently, gas stations operate amid power outages using generators. That could be more difficult when large amounts of electricity flow instead of gasoline.
Off-Road
Electric vehicles aren’t a great choice if you want to drive deep into a remote area. You can’t carry extra batteries for an electric vehicle like you can carry an extra few gallons of gas for an internal combustion vehicle. You could carry a generator, but it won’t charge the vehicle quickly.
Fuel Range
Again, electric vehicles are slowly catching up here but aren’t there yet. Some gas vehicles can travel over 400 miles without filling up again. Many electric vehicles are limited to 250 miles or less. Gas vehicles just have more endurance.
Charging Outside of Home
People who live in an apartment might have to hope that the building owner or their workplace wants to keep up with the times and install electric chargers in the parking lot. Otherwise, renters will have to find a way to use the public charging system.
The Age of Gasoline May Be Sending Soon, But It’s Conveniences and Memories Are Still There
Over the past century, since gasoline engines were mass-produced, automakers have made internal combustion a convenient part of daily life. Sure, they will break down and have their own problems, but at least home mechanics or your neighborhood garage could fix them up. Here is to hoping electric car benefits continue improving and making the transition worthwhile.
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