Is it worth changing my combustion car for an electric one?

In recent years, the debate about whether it is worthwhile to replace a combustion car with an electric car has intensified.

Many people are wondering whether it is worth taking this step, especially from an economic and efficiency point of view, as doubts have arisen about battery life.

Electric car vs. conventional car: key differences

One of the most important differences that is key to trying to understand why the shift to electric is being driven is the energy source of each model. While the conventional car uses petroleum-based fuels that, when burned, emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases that contribute to climate change and pollution, the electric car uses electricity stored in batteries. If the energy comes from clean sources such as electricity, CO₂ emissions are greatly reduced.

An electric motor converts 75-90% of the battery energy into motion. Internal combustion engines convert only 20 % to 30 %. This means that, for every kilometer driven, the electric car makes better use of the energy it consumes.

On the other hand, combustion cars have a lot of moving parts: pistons, valves, oil pump, timing chain, etc. This leads to more costly and frequent periodic overhauls. Electric cars have a simpler engine, with fewer parts that can fail. They also lack an exhaust system and complex cooling system.

Price also has a lot to do with it. A liter of gasoline or diesel varies, but is usually higher than the cost of a kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity for an electric car. In addition, many domestic tariffs offer reduced off-peak prices. Filling up at a gas station can cost 1,5€/L or more, while using electricity at home can cost 0,15€/kWh or less.

Combustion cars can travel between 500 and 800 km on a full tank and refueling takes just a few minutes. In contrast, electric cars typically offer 300 to 600 km on a full charge. Fast charging at public charging points can take between 20 and 40 minutes to obtain 80% of the battery, while slow charging at home requires several hours.

Lithium battery production implies a higher initial carbon footprint. However, this gap evens out after a certain number of kilometers with zero emissions. In addition, recycling and technological improvement are reducing the impact of their manufacture every year.

Is it worth switching to an electric car?

Although from an environmental point of view there is no color, it is an answer with edges that is worth analyzing carefully.

If you drive only a few kilometers a day and have access to charging at home or at work, the electric car can meet the user’s needs without any problems. For short and medium distances, the electric car is very convenient, although the autonomy is something that has been working on the new electric models.

But what is a drawback nowadays is the price, as electric cars are usually more expensive than their combustion equivalents. The difference can be between 5.000 € and 10.000 €, depending on the model. However, as we told you in another article, there are aids to buy an electric car in Spain that allow cushioning this extra cost, although their processing and execution can take a long time.

This makes most people choose to keep a traditional combustion model, although the cost of electricity to move it is usually lower than the fuel.

Before buying an electric car, it is advisable to consult the map of public chargers. In urban areas, the network is growing fast. In rural areas, there may be fewer points. It is also key to evaluate the possibility of installing a charging point at home for your own use and always have your car ready.

It should also be noted that batteries are getting better every year. Most come with warranties covering 70% of their capacity for eight years or 160.000 km. In the long term, a well-maintained electric car can maintain a resale value similar to or even higher than that of a combustion car.

Benefits of the electric car

Having an electric car has multiple advantages. The main ones are:

Reduced emissions. Circulating with electricity generates zero direct emissions of CO₂, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. This improves air quality in cities and reduces the individual carbon footprint.
Fuel savings. The cost per kilometer in an electric car can be up to 70 % lower than in a gasoline car. In addition, many municipalities offer free parking or reduced rates for electric cars.
Lower maintenance. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, fuel filters or timing belts. This translates into easier servicing and fewer unexpected expenses.
Quiet and smooth ride. An electric motor is nearly silent and delivers instant torque from zero rpm. This enables fast, jerk-free acceleration, which enhances the driving experience.
Incentives and tax advantages. In many countries, including Spain, electric car owners enjoy exemptions or discounts on road taxes, tolls and access to low-emission zones.
Future value. As clean mobility becomes the norm, the demand for electric cars grows, which can favor their second-hand value and facilitate their sale at a later date.
Contribution to decarbonization. Every electric car is another step towards a sustainable transportation system. With more electric vehicles, the demand for renewable energies will increase, generating a virtuous circle.

So, yes: betting on the electric car is a good idea, especially considering that the price of electric models has been adjusted in recent months, as we told you in this post, so it seems an unbeatable time to leave your old car behind and welcome the advantages offered by the electric model.