One of the persistent concerns of potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers is range anxiety. The fear that the electric vehicle will run out of charge before reaching the destination or charging station. However, the latest models for 2024 and 2025 are putting this concern to rest with increasingly impressive ranges. The longest ranges now belong to hybrid vehicles, offering a compromise between familiarity and the future, and heralding a promising shift in the automotive industry.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with internal combustion engines being the primary culprit. Despite the fact that most trips in the United States are less than 30 miles, range anxiety has been a major barrier to widespread adoption of electric vehicles for years.
But EVs are rivaling the longest-range gasoline vehicles thanks to improvements in battery and electric motor efficiency. Lucid Air It boasts an impressive 516 miles on a single charge. Tesla Model S It offers a range of 405 miles. This range rivals and sometimes surpasses that of traditional gasoline vehicles, many of which run 400 to 500 miles on a full tank. For example, toyota camry It can travel around 550 miles per tank, giving it the best range of any gasoline-powered vehicle and a similar range to top-of-the-line electric cars.
Despite these advances, some consumers still need more assurance that they can get from here to there, no matter how far away. This hesitation is reflected in the growth of the hybrid car market, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to provide extended range and reduced emissions. Models such as: Toyota RAV4 HybridWith a range of approximately 580 miles per tank, the vehicle provides a safe middle ground for those not yet ready to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Environmental Impact: Electric, Hybrid and Internal Combustion Engines
The environmental impact of a vehicle is a major concern for many buyers, especially those considering switching from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric or hybrid alternatives. Pure electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing their impact on air quality and carbon emissions. However, battery production, particularly lithium, cobalt and nickel mining, pose significant environmental challenges.
Hybrid vehicles have significantly reduced emissions compared to ICE vehicles. They feature regenerative braking, a system that converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy to charge the battery, and the ability to run on electricity at low speeds to reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. For example, toyota prius Long praised for their environmental benefits, they offer a practical compromise for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint without the range limitations of pure electric vehicles.
At the same time, internal combustion engines, while becoming more efficient, still contribute significantly more CO2 and volatile organic compounds to greenhouse gas emissions. The EV race is forcing automakers to design gasoline vehicles for greater fuel efficiency. Still, they can’t compete with the environmental benefits of EVs and hybrids.
Range Comparison: Gasoline vs Electric Cars
When comparing the ranges of the best gasoline and electric cars, it is clear that the gap is narrowing. This range chart shows the range gap between ICE and EV/hybrid vehicles is narrowing.
| class | Gasoline vehicle | Range (miles) | Electric car | Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | toyota camry | 550 | Lucid Air | 516 |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 450 | Tesla Model 3 | 341 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Silverado | 500 | Tesla Model Y | 330 |
| 4 | RAM 1500 | 480 | Rivian R1S | 352 |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | 420 | Fisker Ocean | 360 |
| 6 | Ford F-150 | 480 | BMW i4 | 307 |
| 7 | jeep grand cherokee | 450 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 303 |
| 8 | GMC Sierra | 470 | Mercedes-Benz EQS | 350 |
| 9 | Nissan Rogue | 430 | Volkswagen ID.4 | 275 |
| 10 | Honda Civic | 490 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 305 |
| 11 | toyota corolla | 430 | Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 247 |
| 12 | Chevrolet Equinox | 400 | Audi Q4 e-tron | 291 |
| 13 | Jeep Wrangler | 400 | Tesla Cybertruck | ~300 |
| 14 | ford explorer | 430 | nissan leaf | 226 |
| 15 | Subaru Forester | 450 | Kia EV6 | 310 |
The road ahead: 2024 and beyond
The auto industry is moving toward greater electrification as it looks to the future. The emergence of long-range EVs helps ease range anxiety, and the continued popularity of hybrids provides a viable bridge for consumers who are still wary of electric vehicles. But the transition to pure electric vehicles remains the most promising path with the greatest environmental impact. Consider these alternatives when shopping for your next vehicle.
car manufacturer We are investing heavily in battery technology, aiming to improve energy density and range while reducing the environmental footprint of battery production. Future model years are likely to see further improvements, making EVs more appealing to a wider audience.
