Expert Warns Drivers With Gas Cars About Major Change They Will Have to Get Used To

The automotive industry is on the brink of a monumental shift. Governments worldwide are implementing aggressive timelines to phase out gas-powered vehicles, with bans on new petrol and diesel cars looming just around the corner. In the UK, the clock is ticking toward 2030, when new petrol and diesel car sales will be prohibited. Similarly, Canada has set its sights on 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2035. While these changes might seem far off, the reality is that the transformation is already underway, and drivers must start preparing now. The road ahead will look very different, and those who are unprepared could find themselves at a significant disadvantage as the world accelerates toward an electric future.

Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Cars

The timeline for this automotive revolution is set, with significant markets leading the way. The UK’s ambitious goal to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 marks an important milestone in the journey toward a greener future. However, recent reports suggest that the UK may miss its EV sales targets for 2030 and 2035. According to Alixpartners’ Global Automotive Outlook, battery-electric vehicles are predicted to make up just 44% of new vehicle sales by 2030 and 78% by 2035, indicating a significant shortfall from the government’s goals. 

In Canada, the government has set a target for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. To support this transition, automakers like General Motors are enhancing EV infrastructure. General Motors Co. said, “It will offer access to more than 17,800 Tesla Inc. superchargers through a $225 NACS DC adapter that it has approved for use with its electric vehicles (EVs).” thereby increasing access to public charging points across the U.S. and Canada.

The shift to EVs doesn’t just spell the end for petrol and diesel engines. It signals the decline of hybrid vehicles. While hybrids were once seen as a middle ground, offering both combustion engines and electric power, they fall out of favor as the industry makes a more definitive push toward fully electric cars. The future of personal transportation is becoming clear: it’s fully electric or nothing.

The shift towards fully electric vehicles is leading to a gradual decline in hybrid cars. The UK government is considering adjustments to its electric vehicle sales mandate, potentially allowing the sale of “full hybrid” vehicles like the Toyota Prius until 2035. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This government is backing the auto sector with £2 billion to support our domestic manufacturers to transition to zero-emission vehicles and over £300 million to drive consumer uptake.”

Gas Stations and EV Charging Networks

As electric vehicles (EVs) become the dominant mode of transportation, the infrastructure supporting them will undergo significant changes. Traditional gas stations, once a staple of the driving experience, will gradually become less common. Although the transition to EVs is well underway, gas-powered cars will remain on the road for many years. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has raised concerns about the feasibility of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, noting that a strict implementation could strain manufacturers. Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, said, “If it was fairly strict, many manufacturers would struggle to comply. That wouldn’t be good for the consumer.” As the adoption of EVs grows, the focus will shift toward expanding the charging station network to meet the increasing demand. This change will result in a decline in gas stations, with fewer people relying on them as they transition to electric-powered cars.

Canada’s ambitious goals to expand EV infrastructure are already in motion, with over 25,500 charging ports currently operating. The country plans to increase this number to 33,500 by 2026, making EV ownership more practical for drivers nationwide. However, the distribution of charging stations remains uneven, with the bulk concentrated in regions like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. As the infrastructure grows, these gaps will be filled, ensuring EV owners can access charging points anywhere they live.

But it’s not just electric drivers who will need to adjust. As gas stations become more scarce, drivers of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles will have to adopt a similar mindset to that of EV drivers today. Just as EV owners carefully plan their journeys around available charging stations, gas car drivers must plan their refueling stops ahead of time, especially on longer trips. The days of pulling into any gas station without a second thought are numbered, and the new standard will require more strategic planning for all drivers.

Range Anxiety and Pre-Planning Journeys

Range anxiety, the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of battery power before reaching a charging station, has long been one of the biggest concerns for potential EV buyers. However, this worry is unfounded, mainly in today’s EV landscape. According to David Smith of Cheltenham-based Cleevely Electric Vehicles, one of the UK’s highest regarded independent sellers and servicers of EVs, he said, “These cars are efficient, have a good range – of about 250 miles, depending on conditions – and have proved reliable both mechanically and for battery life.” Modern electric cars now boast impressive ranges, covering the average driver’s daily commute. In fact, most journeys for drivers are well below 10 miles, making range anxiety an issue that’s often exaggerated. As fast-charging stations become more common and newer EV models continue to improve battery capacities, these concerns are becoming less relevant.

For drivers accustomed to gas-powered vehicles, the shift in mindset will be significant. Today’s gas car drivers enjoy the luxury of stopping at a gas station without a second thought, filling up in minutes. However, as the number of gas stations declines and the EV infrastructure expands, these drivers must adopt similar habits to those of current EV users. Planning fuel stops will no longer be as spontaneous as it once was. Like EV owners must research available charging stations along their route, gas car drivers must plan their refueling stops more carefully, especially for longer trips.

Financial Incentives and Government Support

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is not just about shifting technology; it’s also supported by a wide range of financial incentives designed to make this shift more accessible for automakers and consumers. Governments around the world are offering various rebates and credits to incentivize the purchase of EVs. In Canada, for example, consumers can take advantage of rebates on new electric car purchases, reducing the initial financial burden. As stated by Royal Bank Canada, “The federal government’s iZEV program offers up to $5,000 rebates for Canadians who buy or lease a zero-emissions vehicle. Additionally, automakers are awarded credits for meeting EV production targets, providing them with an economic incentive and a push toward increasing their electric vehicle offerings. These incentives lower the entry cost for consumers and encourage manufacturers to accelerate their EV development, ultimately helping to make electric cars a more mainstream option.

Government support isn’t just limited to car purchases but also infrastructure development. The installation of public charging stations is being heavily subsidized to ensure EV owners can easily access power when needed. In Canada, the government’s investment in EV charging infrastructure has already led to the establishing of over 25,000 charging stations, which is expected to rise rapidly in the coming years. These initiatives ensure that the move toward EVs is not just about purchasing a new car but about creating a sustainable ecosystem where charging stations are readily available, making long trips and daily commutes more convenient for electric car owners.

While the push toward electric vehicles is undeniable, it’s important to note that gas-powered cars won’t disappear overnight. They will remain on the road for many years as older models continue to be driven. The shift toward electric vehicles is gradual, and gas cars will still make up a significant portion of the global fleet for some time. However, the industry is heading toward an electric future, with manufacturers, governments, and consumers all working together to make the transition as smooth as possible. The phase-out of new gas-powered car sales doesn’t mean gas cars will vanish immediately, but rather, it marks the beginning of a long-term shift toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.

Preparing for an Electric Future

The shift toward electric vehicles is no longer a distant dream; it’s a rapidly approaching reality. With major markets like the UK and Canada setting ambitious goals for a complete transition to EVs, gas-powered vehicles are gradually being phased out. This transition will change the driving experience, from the decline of manual transmissions to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. As gas stations become less common, drivers must plan their refueling stops, much like EV drivers do today.

Financial incentives and government support are helping to make EVs more affordable and encouraging the growth of the necessary infrastructure to support them. While gas-powered cars will still be around for years to come, the future of transportation is undeniably electric, and adapting early will make the transition smoother.

For gas car drivers, preparing for this change now is key. Whether getting comfortable with new driving habits or planning longer trips with more attention to charging stations, those who start making adjustments today will be better positioned for the future. The transition may be gradual, but the sooner drivers embrace the inevitable shift to electric vehicles, the easier it will be to navigate the future of transportation.