Photo credit Tesla
The rumble of the internal combustion engine (ICE), a sound synonymous with personal transportation for over a century, is gradually fading. Electric cars are no longer a futuristic concept; they are rapidly becoming the present and undoubtedly the future of driving. This transition, while still in its early stages, is poised to accelerate much faster than many anticipate. One of the core reasons behind this shift lies in a fundamental difference: moving parts. When you compare moving parts in an electric car vs. a gas car, the disparity is striking and reveals a compelling narrative of efficiency, reliability, and the inevitable march of automotive technology.
Let’s delve into the key factors driving this electric revolution, focusing on the critical advantage of fewer moving parts and its cascading benefits.
1. Global Mandates and the Electric Push
China, now the world’s largest automotive market, is aggressively steering towards electric vehicles. In 2017, out of 86 million cars sold globally, a staggering 30% (25.8 million) were in China, dwarfing the US (20%) and EU (18%). This market dominance gives China significant leverage in shaping global automotive trends.
Global Car Sales 2017
Photo credit Jato.com
The Chinese government has implemented stringent regulations requiring automakers to achieve escalating “new energy vehicle” scores. Starting with 10% in 2019, rising to 12% by 2020, and projected to reach 20% by 2025, these mandates leave manufacturers with little choice but to embrace electric vehicle production.
This regulatory pressure has triggered a seismic shift in the automotive industry. Major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have announced massive investments – tens of billions of dollars and Euros – in electric vehicle development programs. These investments span research and development, battery supply chain partnerships, and the creation of entirely new EV platforms. Even iconic brands like Porsche have declared their intention to go fully electric by 2030.
China’s decisive move has acted as a catalyst, compelling global automakers to prioritize electric vehicle production. Expect a significant surge in the variety and availability of EV models in the coming years, driven by both market demand and regulatory necessity.
2. The Plummeting Cost of Batteries: Fueling the EV Revolution
The battery pack is the most substantial cost component in an electric vehicle. However, the price of lithium-ion batteries, the dominant technology in EVs, has been falling dramatically.
Lithium-Ion Battery Trends 2010-2017
Bloomberg
In 2010, lithium-ion batteries cost around $1,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). By 2017, this cost had plummeted to approximately $200 per kWh, and the downward trend continues. Elon Musk, at a Tesla shareholder meeting in 2018, projected that Tesla would reach $100 per kWh within two years. This $100 per kWh mark is widely considered the point at which the upfront purchase price of EVs will become comparable to that of equivalent ICE vehicles.
This remarkable 90% reduction in battery costs within a decade is transforming the economic landscape of electric vehicles, making them increasingly accessible to a broader consumer base. As battery technology advances and production scales up, further cost reductions are anticipated, accelerating EV adoption.
3. Range Anxiety Vanishes: Battery Capacity on the Rise
Beyond cost, battery technology is also advancing rapidly in terms of energy density. Lithium-ion batteries are experiencing an annual increase in energy density of 5-8%. This translates directly to greater driving range for electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz, for example, announced that their all-electric EQC SUV, launched in 2019, would offer a range of approximately 500 kilometers (around 310 miles). Tesla’s Roadster, launched in 2020, boasts an even more impressive stated range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Such ranges are beginning to surpass those of many gasoline-powered vehicles, effectively eliminating “range anxiety,” a major concern for potential EV buyers.
Furthermore, emerging battery technologies like solid-state batteries promise even greater breakthroughs. Solid-state batteries are expected to be cheaper, charge faster, and offer even higher energy densities, pushing EV ranges further and solidifying their practicality for all driving needs.
4. Longevity and Durability: The Electric Advantage
A common misconception surrounding electric vehicles is that their batteries degrade rapidly and require frequent replacement. However, real-world data and studies are dispelling this myth.
Tesla Battery Degradation
Photo credit Matteo
Data collected from Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles demonstrates remarkable battery longevity. After covering 270,000 kilometers (approximately 168,000 miles), these batteries retained, on average, 91% of their original capacity. This data indicates a degradation rate of roughly 1% capacity loss per 30,000 kilometers (18,750 miles).
This extended battery lifespan significantly reduces the total cost of ownership for EVs. The initial investment is spread over a much longer period, and the reduced maintenance requirements (linked to fewer moving parts, which we’ll discuss next) further contribute to long-term savings. While this specific data is Tesla-centric, it provides a strong indication of the potential longevity of EV batteries, and ongoing research and development are likely to further improve battery durability across manufacturers.
5. Reliability Redefined: Fewer Moving Parts, Less Maintenance
This is where the “Moving Parts Electric Car Vs Gas” comparison truly shines. Internal combustion engine vehicles are incredibly complex machines, relying on hundreds of intricately interacting components. A typical ICE drivetrain contains over 2,000 moving parts. In stark contrast, an electric vehicle drivetrain has approximately 20 moving parts.
This dramatic reduction in complexity translates directly to increased reliability and significantly lower maintenance requirements. Consider the top 10 car repairs of 2015:
Top 10 Car Repairs 2015
Photo credit Credit.com
Analyzing this list, it becomes clear that the vast majority of common car repairs are directly related to the complexity of the internal combustion engine and its associated systems – transmission issues, engine problems, cooling system failures, and exhaust system malfunctions. Electric vehicles, lacking these complex systems, inherently avoid these common failure points. The only repair from the list potentially applicable to an EV is number 4 (electrical issues), and even these are often simpler and less expensive to resolve in an EV context compared to the intricate electrical systems of an ICE car.
The simplicity of the electric drivetrain is a game-changer in terms of reliability and long-term ownership costs. Less maintenance, fewer breakdowns, and greater peace of mind are significant advantages for EV owners.
6. Cheaper to Fuel: Electricity vs. Gasoline
Operating costs extend beyond maintenance to fuel. Electric vehicles are demonstrably cheaper to “fuel” than gasoline cars in most regions. While electricity prices vary, they are generally more stable and often significantly lower than gasoline prices, especially considering the volatility of the global oil market.
1 Year Crude Oil Price
Photo credit InfoMine.com
The price of crude oil, the primary driver of gasoline prices, has shown significant fluctuations and upward trends. Geopolitical events and supply chain disruptions can cause rapid spikes in gasoline costs, impacting ICE vehicle owners directly at the pump. Electric vehicle owners, charging their cars primarily at home during off-peak hours, benefit from more predictable and often lower energy costs. Moreover, the efficiency of electric motors in converting energy to motion is far superior to that of internal combustion engines, further reducing the energy cost per mile driven.
7. Resale Value and the Inevitable Shift
Considering all the aforementioned advantages – increasing model availability, falling purchase prices, extended range, superior reliability, lower running costs – the question arises: why would anyone still choose to buy a gasoline-powered car? As consumers become more aware of the benefits of EVs, the demand for ICE vehicles is poised to decline, and consequently, their resale value will likely plummet.
The convergence of these factors creates a tipping point. If the resale value of gasoline cars is projected to collapse within a few years, the rationale for buying one today diminishes significantly. This realization will trigger a market shift, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles at a pace that may surprise many.
In Conclusion
The evidence is compelling. From global policy shifts to technological advancements and fundamental advantages in reliability and running costs, electric vehicles are not just a trend; they represent a paradigm shift in personal transportation. The stark contrast in moving parts between electric cars and gas cars underscores the inherent efficiency and simplicity of the electric drivetrain, leading to greater reliability and reduced maintenance.
Beyond the practical benefits, electric vehicles also offer exhilarating performance. The Tesla Roadster, for example, boasts supercar-level acceleration and a top speed that rivals the fastest gasoline cars. And for those who need to see it to believe it, videos of a Tesla Model S racing a Boeing 737 or a Tesla Model X towing a Boeing 787 Dreamliner highlight the raw power and capability of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the growing number of cities implementing restrictions on diesel and gasoline vehicles signals a broader societal shift towards cleaner transportation. As EVs become more prevalent, ICE vehicles may eventually be viewed as relics of the past, much like smoking in public spaces is today.
The transition to electric vehicles is not just about cleaner emissions; it’s about a fundamentally better driving experience, lower running costs, and a more reliable mode of transportation. The era of the internal combustion engine is drawing to a close, and the age of the electric car is undeniably upon us. Will your next car be electric?
