UAE has always been a hub for oil export hence petrol has always been the cheapest in the country and continues to do so. For a long time, petrol all over the world has been used to power up vehicles. However today the landscape of powering up vehicles has been changing. Today there is a growing demand for alternative energy and eco-friendly options, which has led consumers to explore other options. In the last 2 decades, the world has been facing environmental issues and natural resource depletion leading industries, including automobiles to look for other alternatives.
To experiment with options other than petrol or diesel, the first attempt towards trying something new was made through the launch of Hybrid vehicles in the 90s, and since then there has been no turning back. While for many, petrol continues to be a reliable source of energy for their vehicle, there has been a growing trend of electric cars. These vehicles appear to be similar to that of petrol but it’s the engine which separates them. Today electric cars are slowly overtaking the market with many famous automobile manufacturers including luxury vehicles, gravitating towards the same trend. Today both electric and petrol cars serve as a lucrative option in Dubai. This blog can help you decide which car would be ideal for you.
Maintenance Cost
- Petroleum engines function based on many smaller moving parts requiring proper oiling for smooth functioning. Generally, petrol cars require an oil change every 10,000 Km but this figure may vary from vehicle to vehicle type.
- On the other hand, Electric cars are exempted from oiling eliminating the worry about the oil change. However, it’s important to note that electric car owners do need to change cabin air filters and be able to break fluid every two years. Also to ensure their car functions smoothly, they need to get their AC serviced every 2 years.
Fuel Cost
- As of 2024, the petrol price in the UAE ranges from 3.84 AED to 4.04 AED Per Litre, while the average fuel economy in the UAE is 14.8 Per Litre. So if you drive even 1 Km/ day, the fuel cost of a petrol car would come out to be 0.25 AED to 0.27 AED. The average cost of filling a tank comes out to 270 AED. Moreover, the government has also announced fuel subsidies through the UAE social support program allowing users to avail of subsidized fuel from the government.
- An electric car on the other hand on an hour of 240 volt charging provides 30 – 40 Km of runtime. Previously the EV charging stations used to be complimentary for the EV car owners but with the latest regulations, they will be charged from here on. The cost to charge the EV car ranges from 3.35 AED to 22.84 AED for 30 minutes. However there are EV charging stations installed in some housing establishments like that of Damac Properties.
Performance
- Today with all the latest advancements in technology, EV cars can provide higher drivability and silent rides, since the only running part in the car is an electronic motor. This is largely beneficial towards increasing efficiency as fewer parts are involved in energy transfer which helps reduce any major energy loss.
- Petrol cars on the other hand burn fossil fuels and generate energy in which a major portion of the energy is lost in the form of heat. From the engines to the wheels and several parts which include a gearbox, clutch, and drivetrain system involved in contributing to energy loss. All these factors make EV cars more efficient than petrol cars.
Suitability for the lifestyle
| Lifestyle Needs | Petrol Cars | Electric Cars |
| Urban Commuters | Suitable for city driving but at the expense of maintenance costs and higher fuel | Ideal for city driving with lower running costs and easy access to charging stations |
| Long Distance Travelers | More convenient for long journeys due to the widespread refueling network
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Limited by Range and charging infrastructure and so requires careful trip planning |
| Luxury Enthusiasts | Luxury Petrol cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini appeal to traditional luxury car enthusiasts. | Luxury EVs like Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan provide cutting-edge technology and sustainability. |
Conclusion
Petrol and EV cars both come with their benefits, drawbacks, and limitations. While today there is no definite answer on which car is better and worth the purchase as it still depends on the consumer, the market trend has been leaning more towards eco-friendly options, making EV cars the future in the automobile sector.