The automotive landscape is changing rapidly. Advancements in technology and the government’s looming electrification deadline often raise the question – what’s better, petrol or electric?
However, there’s another fuel source stepping up to the plate – hydrogen.
There’s been a lot of confusion, misconception and questions about which option is better. But with petrol dwindling into the background, we look at how the alternatives stack up against it.
Let’s start with petrol…
Petrol has powered cars for over a century. As they’ve been around for a long time, car makers have innovated time and time again to create more efficient models.
A petrol car runs via a combustion engine. This makes the wheels turn via a gearbox. The components and major parts of the car combine to give it varying degrees of torque and acceleration. That’s why we have a wide range of models to cater to the type of ride you want.
Pros and cons of petrol cars
One of the main advantages of petrol cars compared to other fuel types is they’re cheaper to buy. In addition, as they’ve been around so long, qualified mechanics can fix your vehicle to keep it running longer.
However, there are some disadvantages to petrol cars. Fuel prices fluctuate, and in recent months we have seen some of the highest on record – reaching over £2 a litre.
Petrol isn’t great for the planet either. It’s made of fossil fuels, which aren’t sustainable. Plus, the emissions cause pollution and poor air quality, especially in built-up areas.
What about electric cars?
An all-electric car replaces the combustion engine with an electric motor and powerful batteries. You’ll notice these cars a lot more on the roads, especially after 2030, as a change in legalisation will see the end to selling new petrol and diesel models.
To recharge, you plug in via a wall socket or charge point. This tops up the range of the vehicle, much like filling up at the petrol station. Of course, the miles you get out of one charge depends on the model. However, newer cars are now capable of over 200 miles on a single charge.
Pros and cons of electric cars
Electric cars are being hailed as the perfect alternative to traditional fuel vehicles, and with the many benefits on offer, you can see why.
One of the significant advantages is that electric cars don’t produce any emissions, which is great for the planet. Another biggie is savings on running costs. The direct comparison for filling up the “tank” means you save on cost per mile. There are also exemptions from road tax and no charges to enter Clean Air Zones.
Despite electric cars having some key plus points, there are a few drawbacks. Buying a new model will likely set you back more than the petrol alternative. Charging takes longer and if you run out on a journey, expect to wait a while even at the rapid charge points. Unfortunately, the infrastructure in the electric network isn’t quite up to speed. Still, the government have promised more access in the future.
Another downside is the eco-credentials of an electric car look good in terms of zero emissions. But, the comparative environmental impact of building one is said to be more than a petrol car.
What is a hydrogen car?
Hydrogen cars have been hitting the headlines recently as an alternative to petrol and electric, but how do they work?
This car is slightly more complex than its rivals. First, hydrogen needs to be stored at high pressure. It’s pumped into the tank and then released into a fuel cell. Then comes the chemistry bit. The molecules are split into protons and electrons, with electrons going on to power the car and the protons becoming water emissions.
Pros and cons of hydrogen cars
The primary benefit of hydrogen cars comes when filling up. Much like a petrol car, you could pull into a hydrogen station and get a full tank in a few minutes. They also don’t produce any emissions, well only water.
But, due to the complexities of this technology, hydrogen does have a few disadvantages at present. Building a hydrogen vehicle is expensive, and the need to store the fuel at high pressure makes it more complex within the car build.
The number of cars sold around the globe would also mean producing hydrogen on an industrial scale. But at present, this is mainly done using fossil fuels. There are eco-friendly alternatives, but again these are expensive.
Another problem is whether you could fill up your car if you decided to buy one. In the UK, there are currently only 15 stations. Although, you don’t get much choice in models as only two cars are currently sold with a price tag of over £50,000.
So, what fuel source is best?
With each option, you get good and not-so-good features. Petrol is often favoured, as you know what you get every time you fill up. But, electric cars have come a long way since they entered the market. The range has improved, and there’s more place to charge up. Although, the infrastructure needs to step up a gear in time for the 2030 deadline.
Hydrogen, for the moment, seems less likely to be mass-produced due to expensive and complex build requirements. However, it’s not impossible as future technology could see this fuel source utilised more.
The pros and cons for each fuel type nearly offset each other. But, in terms of immediate environmental benefits and running costs, electric appears to take the lead. Moreover, the investment in electric technology in the industry also speaks for itself.
While we debate whether electric is better than petrol, the latter will no longer be available in new models in a few years. So, it’s the perfect chance to explore the market and discover the capabilities and cost-savings you could achieve with an electric car.
