The war on fuel: Gas vs. electric vehicles

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Felipe Franco, Assistant Sports Editor

As the globe moves towards a greener future, the superiority of gas versus electric automobiles continues to be a hot topic of conversation among drivers and automotive companies alike. Although each type of vehicle has its benefits and drawbacks, the choice ultimately boils down to lifestyle and personal preference.

   For over hundreds of years now, gasoline-powered cars have dominated the transportation industry. Compared to most electric automobiles, gasoline-powered cars are more readily available, simpler to refuel, and offer a more extensive driving range. 

   That said, fossil fuel combustion, which is what gasoline cars use for power, makes a major contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which negatively affect our environment.

   On the other hand, because of their advantages for the environment and financial savings, electric cars are growing in popularity. The U.S. Government has even offered a tax write-off for the people that buy electric cars. Compared to gas-powered cars, they emit no pollutants directly and have a smaller carbon footprint. However, the process of making electric vehicles isn’t clean. To make the battery cells for electric vehicles,  lithium and cobalt need to be excavated, which produces a substantial amount of carbon dioxide gasses. Also, depending on the area, carbon-fueled power plants are sometimes used to charge electric vehicles. 

   Neither vehicle is perfect. Ultimately, a person’s needs and priorities will determine whether they choose a gas or electric car. While driving a gas-powered car may have some short-term benefits, it is impossible to discount the advantages of electric vehicles in the long run. Electric vehicles will play a significant part in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the environment as we move toward a more sustainable future.