Why Buying a Fossil Fuel Car is Still a Good Idea

Collaborative¦ As petrol prices continue to rise, many individuals are considering their vehicle options. In particular, some people are looking into replacing their fossil-fuel-powered cars with electric ones to skip paying for gas. However, owning a vehicle with an internal combustion engine still has a few advantages.

If you’re thinking about getting a fossil-fuel car in this era of electric or hybrid vehicles, here are six reasons that may convince you to go for the former:

Petrol-Engine Car Parts Are Cheaper

When replacing car parts, keeping a car that runs on fossil fuel may be economical in the long run. This is because traditional car parts are readily available; whether you need aftermarket parts or original equipment manufacturer parts, you’ll find them in most markets. et what you need from a reliable car parts supplier to ensure quality.

In comparison, electric vehicle (EV) car parts are not widely available. That’s because the technology required to manufacture the parts is still evolving. As such, it’s more challenging to mass-produce EV car parts. If electric cars are not very popular in your country or region, you might not immediately find what you need when you need them. Also, due to their relative rarity, it’s more expensive to acquire these parts. If you do find what you need, you might end up paying higher shipping costs and delivery fees. You also need to wait a little longer for the parts to be delivered.

There Are More Mechanics that Specialise in Petrol Cars

In most areas, you can find more mechanics who service fossil-fuel cars than EVs. Even if you go to a less-populated region in New Zealand, you can find a mechanic to  check on a traditional gas-engine vehicle. In the event that your car breaks down somewhere remote, you will most likely find a mechanic in the nearest town.

In the case of electric vehicles, there are only a handful of technicians equipped with the knowledge and skills to do repairs. As such, you might have a more challenging time finding a qualified mechanic if your electric car breaks down or needs repairs. If your car encounters trouble in the middle of nowhere, you’ll likely need to have it towed or shipped to a specific area where the mechanic works, which entails additional costs. 

The Upfront Cost of Petrol-Powered Vehicles Is Lower

Compared to EVs, gasoline-powered vehicles are cheaper to buy upfront. This makes the latter a more attractive option if you’re working on a limited budget. Since the technology used for electric vehicles is specialised and not as mainstream, the cost to manufacture them is higher. Even with the government subsidy, electric and hybrid vehicles are more expensive than petrol.

They’re Easy to Refuel

When your gas car is low on fuel, you just need to stop at the nearest petrol station to fill up the tank. On the other hand, when your EV runs low on charge, getting it road-ready isn’t quite as simple.

Depending on your location, you may or may not immediately find an EV charging station. You also need space at home to ensure you can charge your EV. If you live in an apartment or building, setting up a home charging system might be more challenging.

Additionally, some EV models take longer to replenish the energy they need. Some models can recover up to 80% of their energy in 20 minutes. However, the charging speed slows down as the EV’s battery approaches its capacity. With traditional vehicles, you won’t have this issue. It only takes a few minutes to refill the gas tank. Unless you’re willing to wait for your electric car to be fully charged every time it runs out of juice, you may be better off with a fossil-fuel car.

They’re Easier to Operate

Internal combustion engine cars have been around for a long time. As such, more drivers are familiar with operating them. If you’ve been driving petrol cars and suddenly switched to an EV, you might need some time to get used to it. As such, you need to factor in this learning curve if you ever consider getting an electric-powered car.

They Are More Practical for Long Road Trips

If you often take road trips, vehicles with internal combustion engines are more reliable than electric ones because you can easily gas up. With EVs, even if there are charging stations you can stop at along the way, it can still take quite some time for the car’s battery to charge up enough to cover the distance you need to travel. The requirement to stop and charge for half an hour or so can make the trip longer.

While many EV models coming out today, you might get more benefits from owning a fossil-fuel car. Just look at this list as to why the latter option may make more sense. That said, it’s essential to carefully consider what type of vehicle will better suit your needs and lifestyle before you make a final decision.