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Are diesel cars better than electric cars?

I'm not entirely sold on the electric car fad, but I'm ready to buy a new car. Can you tell me if diesel cars are better than electric cars?

avatar
Chanice Boyd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! The truth is, it’s hard to determine the better option between a diesel or electric car without first considering your driving habits and priorities. They are two very different types of vehicles with their own lists of pros and cons. In reality neither is objectively better than the other.
If you’re concerned with minimizing your carbon footprint, then the electric vehicle would put your mind at ease. But, if you often travel long distances, a diesel car might serve you better.
Check out this list to see how they compare: Diesel
  • Initial costs: A diesel car is cheaper to buy upfront.
  • Maintenance Expenses: They are often subjected to higher taxes because of the adverse environmental effects.
  • Fuelling method: Fuelling would be considered more expensive due to the volatile fuel prices.
  • Performance: Expect more power, more towing, and increased performance.
  • Pollution: Its internal combustion engine and tailpipe emit harmful greenhouse gasses that are bad for the environment. A diesel car is quite loud and will also contribute to noise pollution.
Electric
  • Initial costs: Electric cars often have a
    higher ticketed price
    because of the costs associated with building the battery.
  • Maintenance Expenses: These vehicles are low maintenance and cheaper to run. They also have various government grants available as incentives to own an electric car.
  • Fuelling method: Fueling can take anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day, but you may have the option of refueling for free at places like work, supermarkets, or wherever free charging is available.
  • Performance: Electric cars are known for their quick acceleration.
  • Pollution: They are considered better for the environment because they only release low c02 emissions.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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