Dubai has long been synonymous with luxury cars and abundant oil reserves. However, the landscape has significantly changed in recent years. With growing environmental concerns and significant advancements in EV technology, slowly but steadily there has been a shift towards cleaner and more efficient cars. Today there has been a gradual change as the automotive industry slowly shifts towards sustainable energy solutions which opens the debate between petrol and EV which has become increasingly relevant. Keeping this factor in mind, the Dubai government has been actively promoting sustainability initiatives which makes it imperative to understand the pros and cons of petrol vs EV cars. This aspect focuses on vital factors such as fuel source, charging/fueling infrastructure, maintenance, environmental impact, etc.
Cost of Ownership
Since EVs have lower operating costs considering that electricity is cheaper than petrol, they also require minimal maintenance due to fewer moving parts. On the other hand, petrol cars involve frequent servicing and high maintenance costs.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol Cars |
| Cost of Ownership | Cheap electricity and few moving parts in the car | Higher running costs due to fuel prices, frequent maintenance, and engine-related expenses |
Charging & Fuel Infrastructure
In recent years Dubai has been able to expand its network with over 370 Dewa Green Charger Stations, however, petrol stations are still more convenient. While fast charging can charge your EV vehicles within 30 minutes, standard home charging can take several hours.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol Cars |
| Charge/fuel infrastructure | Dubai has multiple Dewa EV Green charger stations while also having home charging available | Petrol stations are widespread which makes them much more convenient to refuel cars. |
Range & Refuelling Time
Petrol cars can provide a higher range per full tank while only taking a few minutes to refuel. While EV cars require more time to charge.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol Cars |
| Range & Refuelling time | Average range of 300 – 500 Km Per charge | Range of 500 – 800 Km per tank. |
Government Incentives
Dubai government in their pursuit to promote sustainability and use of EV vehicles provides free charging at Dewa stations for a limited time, and free parking in select locations while petrol cars do not receive such benefits.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol |
| Government Incentives | Free charging at Deva Station, free parking in select areas, toll exemptions, and registration benefits | No incentives for petrol cars. |
Performance & Driving Experience
EV can deliver instant torque which results in smooth acceleration and quieter rides whereas petrol cars provide a more traditional driving feel with engine noise and gradual acceleration.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol |
| Performance & Driving | Instant torque, quieter ride and smooth acceleration | Traditional engine sound, higher torque lag, |
Availability & Resale Value
While petrol cars continue to dominate the resale value market, EV cars are slowly becoming more popular as the technology keeps improving every year, with new models being introduced in the automotive sector.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol Cars |
| Resale Value | Resale Value for EV cars is slowly growing in the market | Petrol cars continue to hold a strong command in the resale value and dominate the market |
Environmental Impact
EVs are emission-free which helps reduce air pollution, aligning with the sustainability goals of the city. Petrol cars on the other hand are notorious for increasing pollution levels.
| Aspect | EV | Petrol Cars |
| Environmental Impact | Zero tailpipe emission, reducing carbon footprints, and improving air quality in Dubai | Emits CO2 and pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. |
Road Trips and Long Distance Travel
As of now, petrol cars are still the preferred choice for long travels because of the availability of gas stations and longer refueling in a single tank. But the infrastructure of EV charging stations isn’t far behind and soon will catch up to petrol.
| Aspect | EV Cars | Petrol Cars |
| Long distance trips | Requires careful planning due to limited charging stations and range | A convenient choice for long journeys due to the array of gas stations and longer range. |
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Conclusion
EV vehicles are the future of automobiles as they provide long-term savings, government incentives, and eco-friendly lifestyles. While petrol vehicles are far from eco-friendly, they still offer great conveniences like quick refueling and better infrastructure. However Dubai is committed to its goal of clean energy strategy 2050, and EV Cars will play a major role in that.