Who Will Dominate the Roads? A Clash of Four Vehicle Types: Gasoline Cars, Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars, and Hydrogen Cars
As the transition from gas stations to charging stations unfolds, a question arises: who is quietly reshaping the rules of travel? A popular comment from a social media platform captures the sentiment of many new energy vehicle owners: “Driving an electric car saves on fuel, but the money saved is spent searching for charging stations!” Recently, the topic of #GasCarsVsElectricCars: Which is More Cost-Effective?# trended, sparking heated discussions. Opinions vary, with some declaring that “electric cars are an intelligence tax,” while others counter with “gasoline cars will soon end up in museums.” One user humorously remarked, “Buying a hybrid is like having a ‘double-sided tape’—isn’t it exhausting trying to please both sides?”
Gasoline Cars: The Stubborn Hero of a Dying Era
The familiar sounds of gasoline pumps represent the dwindling pride of gasoline vehicles. This century-old champion boasts advantages that are textbook perfect: repair expertise so refined that it can be done with eyes closed, and the roar of the engine that brings joy to enthusiasts. Gas stations are ubiquitous, and the ability to refuel in five minutes keeps electric vehicles in the dust. In the second-hand car market, gasoline cars remain “hard currency,” with a resale value that outperforms their electric counterparts. However, environmental regulations are tightening, making it hard for gasoline vehicles to stand tall. Emissions act like a chronic poison, and fluctuations in gas prices can raise the blood pressure of owners. One owner calculated, “The money to fill a gas tank could power an electric car for 2,000 kilometers; this isn’t just burning fuel—it’s burning cash!” The most pressing threat comes from policy changes, with several countries announcing plans to ban gasoline cars before 2035, as if a countdown timer hangs above.
Electric Cars: The Cost-Saving Assassin vs. The Insurance Nightmare
Drivers waiting by charging stations are experiencing the harsh reality of “saving on fuel but not saving money.” Insurance premiums for electric cars are, on average, 21% higher than for gasoline cars, with some models costing up to 40% more—translating into an additional annual burden of four to five thousand. A ride-hailing driver shared their experience: “My insurance went from 17,000 to 20,000 in just two years, eating up all my earnings!” This surge in costs stems from three main factors: batteries account for 40% of the vehicle’s price, repair costs for chassis damage can run half the price of the vehicle, and the accident rate is double that of gasoline cars. Additionally, premiums are calculated based on the price before subsidies, meaning a 200,000 vehicle could incur insurance costs based on a 260,000 price tag. It’s no wonder users joke, “Buying an electric car is like marrying a spendthrift; all the money saved on dowries becomes medical bills!”
Hybrid Cars: The Wise Compromise
Hybrids masterfully navigate the middle ground, proclaiming, “Use electricity for short trips to save money, and burn fuel for long journeys without worry.” They serve as mediators, retaining the security of gasoline cars while benefiting from electric vehicle incentives. Models like the BYD DM-i boast fuel consumption as low as 4L per 100 kilometers, prompting ride-hailing drivers to exclaim, “This is fantastic!” For consumers without easy access to charging, hybrids are the ideal fallback. However, the dual systems lead to higher costs and complex maintenance, causing financial strain for owners. One owner noted, “Hybrids cost 50,000 more than gasoline versions; you need to drive 100,000 kilometers just to break even!” Complicating matters, shifting policies—like Shanghai’s cancellation of green plates for plug-in hybrids—have left these vehicles feeling like “policy orphans.”
Hydrogen Cars: The Environmental Vanguard vs. Safety Concerns
Hydrogen stations remain eerily quiet, as hydrogen vehicles struggle amid safety concerns. Manufacturers claim that hydrogen storage tanks can withstand rear-end collisions at 80 km/h, and Type IV storage tanks are six times stronger than steel. However, public memory is marred by incidents, such as the explosion of a hydrogen tank in South Korea that resulted in two deaths and six injuries. Hydrogen leakage can indeed be fatal: concentrations between 4% and 75.6% are explosive when ignited, and confined spaces like underground garages pose deadly risks. While tests show that hydrogen dissipates rapidly in open air, there’s no guarantee that incidents will occur in safe environments. Ironically, 90% of current hydrogen production relies on fossil fuels, tarnishing its green credentials.
The Future: A Four-Way Contest Without a Clear Winner
As the saying goes, “Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river,” but in the automotive world, it may evolve into “Forty years of four-way competition.” By 2030, electric cars are expected to dominate urban commuting; gasoline vehicles will retreat to long-haul transportation and niche applications; hybrids will continue as a transitional option; while hydrogen vehicles will quietly develop within commercial sectors. Just as smartphones could not replace cameras entirely, the automotive market will inevitably shift toward a diverse ecosystem. Which segment will ultimately prevail? Share your thoughts!
