Gasoline Cars vs. New Energy Vehicles? Choose Wisely Across 5 Key Dimensions!

While recently organizing thoughts on selecting new energy vehicles, I noticed many friends torn between gasoline and electric cars. There's no one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on your usage scenarios and preferences. Let's break it down from an engineer's perspective to build a systematic evaluation framework.

First, consider purchase costs. By 2025, the entry-level price gap between plug-in hybrids and gasoline vehicles in the ¥150,000 range will narrow to around ¥10,000. Purchase tax exemptions give EVs a further edge—a ¥150,000 gasoline vehicle incurs an extra ¥13,300 tax. However, on-the-road costs vary regionally. In Beijing, for instance, a ¥150,000 EV costs roughly ¥5,000 more than a gasoline equivalent, while the price difference widens to ¥35,000 in the ¥300,000 segment.

Operating cost differences are more pronounced. For annual driving of 10,000 kilometers, gasoline vehicles incur fuel costs of 6,640-7,470 yuan, while electric vehicles require only 840 yuan for home charging and 2,700 yuan for public fast charging. Maintenance-wise, electric vehicles save approximately 3,300 yuan over three years or 60,000 kilometers. However, battery replacement costs must be considered—a lithium iron phosphate battery replacement costs about 34,000 yuan, requiring long-term budgeting.

Recharging convenience directly impacts user experience. Gas vehicles can fill up in 5 minutes for 600-800 km range, with over 110,000 gas stations nationwide. Electric vehicles require 30-60 minutes for an 80% fast charge, often facing queues at highway service areas during holidays. Range also varies with climate—electric vehicles may see halved range in northern winters, while gas vehicles remain largely unaffected by temperature.

Prioritize based on usage scenarios. For urban commuting exceeding 15,000 km annually with access to a fixed charging station, EVs offer a per-kilometer cost one-fifth that of gasoline vehicles, along with quieter operation and quicker acceleration. For frequent long-distance travel or areas with limited charging access, gasoline vehicles remain more reliable for stability and convenience. Note that in cold northern regions, EV range may decrease by 50% at -15°C.

Resale value and technological maturity also require consideration. After three years, compact gasoline vehicles retain about 10% more value than EVs, but the long-term savings on fuel costs can offset this difference. Regarding service networks, gasoline vehicles currently have broader coverage, though mainstream EV brands are rapidly expanding their service points. Battery degradation is an objective reality, typically reducing range by 10%-20% after 3-5 years.

Ultimately, the key is to clarify your core needs. For urban commuters with charging access who prioritize economy, EVs are more suitable. For frequent long-distance travelers or those facing charging constraints, the reliability and convenience of gasoline vehicles remain irreplaceable. This decision must be evaluated within your specific usage context—there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Before purchasing, create a needs checklist prioritizing your most frequent usage scenarios, then match them against various data dimensions. Our engineers follow the same approach in product definition: first clarify user personas and usage scenarios, then reverse-engineer technical solutions. Buying a car is fundamentally about selecting a product—clarifying your needs will lead you to the most suitable solution.