Why Gasoline Cars Outshine Electric Cars on the Highway

When it comes to long-distance travel, particularly on the highway, gasoline cars have a clear advantage over their electric counterparts. This isn't simply a matter of opinion but a factual observation supported by multiple factors. Let’s explore why gasoline cars are more reliable and efficient for long journeys.

Reliability in All Weather

One of the most significant advantages gasoline cars have over electric cars is their ability to maintain performance across all weather conditions. Electric vehicles (EVs) can suffer from reduced range and performance in cold weather, which can turn what should be a straightforward highway journey into a logistical nightmare. Gasoline cars, on the other hand, continue to perform consistently regardless of the temperature, humidity, or precipitation.

Efficiency Across Long Distances

The primary reason why gasoline cars are superior on the highway is their range and long-distance capability. While electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to cover distances in the 200-300 mile range with significant charging stops (often taking 4-6 hours), gasoline cars can travel much further without needing to refuel. For example, a gasoline car with a modern internal combustion engine (ICE) can cover 300 miles with very short refueling breaks of just 10 minutes. With two or more operators, it is possible to go for 5000 miles on a longer stop for an hour or more of service, potentially reaching a cumulative mileage of 300,000 miles or more.

Wind Resistance vs. Fuel Efficiency

While it's true that all cars use more fuel at higher speeds due to increased wind resistance, gasoline cars are not as efficient in city driving. In urban environments, the wasteful nature of gasoline cars, including idling and brake regeneration inefficiencies, can significantly diminish their fuel efficiency. This makes gasoline cars appear more fuel-efficient at highway speeds because the wind resistance benefits are more pronounced compared to the inefficiencies in city driving.

Limited by Electric Battery

Another factor why gasoline cars perform better on highways is the inherent limitations of electric batteries. EVs are limited by the need to recharge, which can take several hours. Moreover, electric cars often have a top speed limiting factor that does not provide the necessary speed for efficient highway travel. While there are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that combine the benefits of both, their performance on the highway can vary and often doesn't surpass the capabilities of conventional gasoline cars.

Opinion vs. Fact

It’s important to recognize that personal opinions and experiences can vary. I, for instance, own a Tesla Model Y Long Range and have several high-end internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Yet, even with the advanced EV technology, the Tesla does not always meet or exceed the overall performance of gasoline cars on the highway. This is not to detract from the many benefits of EVs but to highlight their current limitations in terms of range and highway performance.

Conclusion

The question should be framed as 'Are they better?' rather than 'Why are they better.' While gasoline cars have significant advantages on highways, such as longer range and better performance in all weather conditions, they are not invincible. As EV technology improves and infrastructure expands, these gaps will narrow. In the meantime, gasoline cars remain the superior choice for long-distance highway driving.

Keywords

gasoline cars electric cars highway performance