Gas powered cars still rule American roads. Roughly four out of five new vehicles sold in the U.S. today run primarily on gasoline, and well over 250 million combustion vehicles are already in service. At the same time, regulations, fuel costs, and fast‑improving electric vehicles are quietly rewriting the future for gas powered cars. If you’re deciding what to buy next, or wondering what to do with the gas car in your driveway, you need a clear-eyed view of where things are headed.
Big picture
Gas powered cars aren’t disappearing overnight, but their dominance is fading. Electrified vehicles (hybrids plus EVs) hit roughly 20% of new U.S. sales in 2024, and internal combustion’s share has dropped from the high 90s less than a decade ago to under 80% today. That shift has real implications for costs, resale value, and policy over the next 10–15 years.
Are gas powered cars really going away?
You’ve probably seen headlines about cities or states “banning” gas powered cars. The reality is more nuanced. In the U.S., no one is coming to take away your existing gas car. What we’re seeing instead is a slow turn of the ship: tighter emissions rules and target dates after which new gas‑only cars can no longer be sold in some places.
- California and a coalition of other states have rules on the books that aim to end sales of new gas‑only cars by 2035, replacing them with a mix of EVs and plug‑in hybrids.
- Federal fuel economy and emissions standards are pushing automakers to sell more efficient vehicles overall, meaning more hybrids and EVs in every showroom.
- Globally, several major markets in Europe and parts of Asia have similar 2030–2035 timelines for phasing out new gasoline-only sales.
Policy is moving, even if it’s messy
Rules can be challenged or delayed, but the direction of travel is clear: regulators are steadily tightening the screws on internal combustion. When you buy a new gas powered car today with a 10–15 year life ahead of it, you’re buying into that policy trajectory.
How dominant are gas powered cars today?
For a shopper, this means gas powered cars remain the default option in many segments, especially full‑size pickups and some SUVs, but the alternatives are no longer niche. In almost every category, there’s now at least one credible hybrid or full EV competing directly with the gas model you’re considering.
The true cost of owning a gas car
When you evaluate gas powered cars, the sticker price is only the first line of the bill. Over 8–10 years of ownership, fuel, maintenance, and repairs typically dwarf the purchase price differences between a gas car and a comparable EV.
Annual ownership costs: gas vs electric (typical U.S. driver)
Exact numbers vary by vehicle and location, but the pattern is remarkably consistent.
Gas powered car costs
- Fuel: For 12,000–15,000 miles a year at 28 mpg and $3.50/gal, fuel alone can run $1,500–$1,900 annually.
- Maintenance: Oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, exhaust work, and emissions repairs add up fast. Many owners see $900–$1,800 per year on average in routine service and repairs.
- Unexpected repairs: A failed catalytic converter, transmission work, or engine repair can easily run into the four figures.
EV ownership costs
- Energy: Even at today’s electricity rates, most EV drivers pay the equivalent of $1.00–$1.50 per “gallon” for home charging.
- Maintenance: No oil changes, no exhaust, no spark plugs, and fewer moving parts. Typical annual maintenance is closer to $150–$300 for tires and inspections.
- Predictability: Fewer major mechanical failures and long battery warranties (often 8 years/100,000 miles) make long‑term budgeting easier.
Look at 8‑year fuel and maintenance, not just price
If a gas car saves you $3,000 at purchase but costs $1,200 more per year in fuel and maintenance, the math flips in just a few years. Building a simple 5‑ or 8‑year cost of ownership comparison will often surprise you.
Driving experience: gas powered cars vs EVs
What gas powered cars still do well
- Long‑distance refueling: You can fill up in a few minutes almost anywhere in the country, which still makes gas vehicles convenient for spontaneous cross‑country trips in remote regions.
- Towing and heavy loads: Many full‑size trucks and large SUVs with gas or diesel engines are still the default choice for serious towing, especially when you’re far from fast charging.
- Upfront price: In some segments, especially budget used cars, gas powered vehicles still have the lowest sticker price.
Where EVs have pulled ahead
- Instant torque: Even modest EVs leap off the line thanks to electric motors delivering full torque from zero rpm.
- Refinement: No engine vibration, no transmission shifts, and quiet operation make daily driving calmer and less fatiguing.
- One‑pedal driving: Strong regenerative braking lets you slow down by lifting off the accelerator, which most drivers quickly grow to prefer.
Try both before you decide
If you’ve spent a lifetime in gas powered cars, a short test drive in a modern EV can recalibrate your expectations. Many shoppers who planned to buy another gas SUV end up preferring the smoothness and response of electric after 20 minutes behind the wheel.
Emissions and environmental impact of gas cars
Every gallon of gasoline burned produces about 19–20 pounds of CO₂ at the tailpipe. For a typical driver, that adds up to several tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year from a single vehicle. Gas powered cars also emit nitrogen oxides and particulates that contribute to smog and respiratory issues, particularly in dense urban corridors.
- On a lifetime basis, a typical gas compact or midsize car will emit multiple times the CO₂ of an equivalent EV charged on today’s U.S. power grid, even after accounting for EV battery manufacturing.
- Local air quality is where the difference is most obvious: EVs have no tailpipe, so they emit zero exhaust where people live, work, and walk.
- Regulators target transportation because it’s one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., roughly on par with the power sector in many states.
Why this matters for policy, and resale
Because gas powered cars are a major emissions source, they’re in the crosshairs of federal and state regulators. That’s the underlying reason for everything from low‑emission zones to stricter inspection standards, and it’s part of why demand for used EVs is growing.
Resale value and long‑term risk for gas cars
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No one can tell you exactly what your gas powered car will be worth in 2035, but we can talk about the forces acting on resale value. Historically, gas vehicles have lost value based on age, mileage, and condition. Over the next decade, a fourth factor is coming into play: how desirable, or restricted, combustion vehicles become in your region.
Forces that could pressure gas car resale values
Think about the environment your car will be living in 8–12 years from now, not just today.
Regulation risk
Fuel price volatility
EV competition
“Depreciation has always been the biggest cost in car ownership. Over the next decade, the gap between gas powered cars and competitive EVs is likely to widen as regulations and buyer preferences shift toward electric.”
When a gas powered car still makes sense
Despite the macro trends, there are plenty of situations where a gas powered car is still a rational, even smart choice. The key is matching the tool to the job and being realistic about your ownership horizon.
You might reasonably stick with gas if…
You tow or haul heavy loads often
If you regularly pull a large trailer, horse rig, or heavy boat, especially far from major highways, today’s gas and diesel trucks still offer the broadest capabilities and easiest refueling.
You drive in very remote areas
In parts of the country where public fast charging is sparse and you can’t install home charging, a gas powered vehicle may simply be more practical for now.
You’re buying very cheap and very short‑term
If you’re shopping the bottom of the used car market and only need a vehicle for 1–3 years, a high‑mileage gas car might pencil out better than a more expensive EV, as long as you budget for repairs.
You can’t install home charging
Apartment dwellers without reliable access to workplace or public charging sometimes find living with an EV more hassle than it’s worth, at least until local infrastructure catches up.
Your state’s policies are unlikely to tighten soon
In some regions, especially where driving distances are long and policies are looser, the regulatory risk to gas powered cars over the next decade may be modest.
Think about time horizon
Gas can make sense if you plan to keep the vehicle for a relatively short period and know you’re not going to be the one who lives through the toughest years of the transition. If you’re planning to hold a vehicle for 10+ years, it’s worth taking a hard look at EV options.
When a used EV is the better buy
The fastest‑moving part of the market right now isn’t new luxury EVs, it’s used electric vehicles. Prices have come down as early adopters trade up to newer models, while battery tech and charging networks have improved. For many mainstream buyers, that makes a used EV a compelling alternative to yet another gas powered car.
Where a used EV shines vs a gas car
Especially in the commuter, second‑car, and family‑runabout roles.
Daily driving and commuting
- Low running costs: Home charging plus minimal maintenance can save thousands over a typical 5‑ to 8‑year ownership period.
- Quiet, quick, and easy: One‑pedal driving and instant torque make slogging through traffic less of a chore.
- Predictable ownership: No surprise timing belt or exhaust repairs and fewer moving parts to fail.
Short‑trip and city use
- Zero local tailpipe emissions: Great for urban neighborhoods and school runs.
- Regeneration in stop‑and‑go: City driving actually works in an EV’s favor, recapturing energy instead of wasting it as heat in the brakes.
- Access to perks: In some regions, EVs still get carpool lane access, discounted tolls, or preferred parking.
How Recharged fits in
If you’re cross‑shopping gas powered cars with used EVs, battery health is the big unknown. Every vehicle on Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery diagnostics, fair market pricing, and expert EV‑specialist guidance, so you’re not guessing about the most expensive component in the car.
How to compare a gas car vs a used EV
Side‑by‑side comparisons work best when you’re concrete. Don’t stack a brand‑new luxury EV against a 10‑year‑old compact gas car. Instead, pick two realistic options that could both live in your driveway and judge them on the same criteria.
Checklist: gas powered car vs used EV
1. Define your real use case
Write down how you actually drive: average weekday miles, longest regular trip, how often you take 300+ mile road trips, whether you tow, and where you park overnight. Many drivers discover that 90% of their miles are well within comfortable EV range.
2. Map out charging or fueling
If you’re considering an EV, identify where you would charge: home Level 1 or Level 2, workplace, or nearby public fast chargers. For a gas car, consider how fuel costs might change if gas rises by $0.50–$1.00 per gallon over the next decade.
3. Build an 8‑year cost of ownership view
Estimate purchase price, fuel or electricity costs, routine maintenance, and a reserve for major repairs. A simple spreadsheet comparing a gas powered sedan at 28 mpg to a similar‑size used EV often shows the EV pulling ahead after a few years.
4. Evaluate risk and flexibility
For gas, think about policy changes, potential fuel price spikes, and how buyers will view combustion vehicles in 2032 or 2035. For EVs, factor in battery warranty coverage, charging availability on your typical routes, and the health report for any used EV you’re considering.
5. Consider your exit plan
Are you likely to trade in after 5 years, or drive the car into the ground? If you plan to sell, ask which vehicle is more likely to have strong demand later. If you plan to keep it, prioritize efficiency, durability, and comfort in everyday use.
6. Test drive both on the same day
Drive a gas powered car and a comparable EV back‑to‑back over the same route. Pay attention to noise, response, and how relaxed you feel after 20–30 minutes. The right answer is the car you’ll actually enjoy living with.
Use data, not just habit
Most of us grew up assuming our next car would be another gas powered car because that’s what everyone bought. In 2025, the used EV market is mature enough that it deserves an equal place on your shortlist, especially if you can see a clear path to charging.
FAQ: gas powered cars vs EVs
Frequently asked questions about gas powered cars
Bottom line: how to think about gas powered cars now
Gas powered cars are not about to vanish from American roads, but the era of unquestioned gasoline dominance is over. Regulations are tightening, the market share of internal combustion is sliding, and the used EV market has matured to the point where electric is a realistic option for millions of mainstream buyers.
If you’re shopping today, treat a gas powered car as one option among several, not the automatic default. Run the numbers on fuel and maintenance, be honest about how you drive, and test drive electric alongside gas. For some drivers, especially heavy towers and rural residents, gas will still be the right call for this purchase cycle. For many others, a well‑vetted used EV with verified battery health and transparent pricing, the kind of experience Recharged was built to provide, will quietly become the smarter, cheaper, and more future‑proof choice.
