In recent years, the automotive industry has seen a surge in the production and sales of electric vehicles. With advancements in technology, a growing concern for the environment and pending legislative change, many experts predict that petrol and diesel cars will soon become a thing of the past.

Despite this prediction, there are still several reasons I think petrol and diesel cars will be around for some time.

First and foremost, their affordability. Electric vehicles are still generally more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts, making them less accessible, especially for younger, budget-conscious new drivers.

While prices for electric vehicles are slowly coming down, they are still a significant investment for most people. You can pick up a 15- or 20-year-old petrol-powered car for less than £1k, making them the only option for those on a budget.

More practical for long distances

Another reason why petrol and diesel cars will still be popular is due to their range, although granted this gap is reducing. While electric vehicles have come a long way in terms of their range, they still can’t match the distance that petrol and diesel cars can travel. This makes them less practical for long trips or for people who live in rural areas where charging stations aren’t readily available.

As the infrastructure for electric vehicles improves, this may change, but for now, petrol and diesel cars are still the more practical option for those who need to travel long distances.
Furthermore, petrol and diesel cars are still more convenient than electric vehicles. Even if you’re able to find a good charging point, it still takes significantly longer to charge an electric vehicle than it does to fill up a petrol or diesel car with fuel. This can be inconvenient for people who are on the go and need to refuel quickly.

Additionally, petrol and diesel cars have a larger network of petrol stations, making it easier to find a place to refuel when traveling.

Another factor to consider is the resale value of petrol and diesel cars. Electric vehicles may be the future of the automotive industry, but many people are still hesitant to invest in a technology that is relatively new. As a result, their resale value may not be as high as petrol and diesel cars in the short term. This makes petrol and diesel cars a more attractive option for those who plan to sell their vehicle in a few years.

Finally, and this is a big one for me, the internal combustion engine offers a unique driving experience that electric vehicles can’t replicate, even when they try. The sound and feel of a petrol or diesel engine are something that many petrol-heads enjoy and appreciate. While electric vehicles have their own benefits, they lack the same level of excitement and engagement that petrol and diesel cars provide.

Petrol and diesel cars will remain popular

Though electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of the automotive industry, it’s clear (to me at least) that petrol will still be popular for the next decade or so at least. Range, affordability, resale value, the driving experience and convenience are just a few reasons why petrol and diesel cars will remain a popular choice for many people.

While technology and infrastructure for electric vehicles continue to improve, it will take time before they become the dominant choice for consumers.