Wheels of Choice

Early automobiles, invented in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, were

powered by steam engines akin to those used in trains. Inventors like Nicolas

Joseph Cugnot and Richard Trevithick experimented with these vehicles which were

bulky, heavy, and slow to start, making them impractical for everyday use. Over the

decades, technological advancements in the automotive industry have been

immense and as a result automobiles have become the most popular mode of

transport in many developed countries. Nowadays when it comes to cars, there are

different types of engines, such as gasoline or electric, and both share similarities in

terms of purpose and fueling, and they have differences in terms of environmental

impact and maintenance cost.

Despite their different operating mechanisms, electric cars and gas cars are

similar in purpose and fueling. Firstly, both types of vehicles serve a common

purpose as they facilitate mobility and provide access to remote areas, thereby

contributing to economic growth and social connectivity. Whether powered by

gasoline or electricity, cars enhance individual’s ability to travel for work, leisure, and

essential activities of modern lifestyles. Secondly, both electric and conventional cars

depend on a network of refueling stations. Electric vehicles rely on charging stations,

while gasoline cars utilize gas stations. According to the faculty of economy of

Ucasal, there has been a concerted effort to expand the availability of charging

infrastructure, paralleling the expensive network already established for gasoline

cars. This investment reflects a shared recognition of the necessity for accessible

fueling options to meet consumers demands. In summary, both electric and gasoline

cars fulfill similar roles in facilitating mobility and require fueling infrastructure.
 While the similarities are noteworthy, the differences between electric and

gasoline vehicles are pronounced and impactful. One major distinction lies in their

environmental consequences. Traditional gasoline-powered cars emit significant

amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, as a consequence they

contribute to air pollution. In contrast, electric vehicles generate zero tailpipe

emissions, making them a cleaner alternative. However, it is essential to consider

the sources of electricity; if the electricity derives from fossil fuels, the environmental

benefits of electric vehicles may diminish. Another critical difference between electric

and gas cars is maintenance costs. Gasoline prices fluctuate based on market

conditions, leading to uncertainty for customers. According to the American

Automobile Association, average gasoline prices can vary widely, impacting the

overall cost of ownership for gas cars. Conversely, electric vehicles typically incur

lower operational cost and require less maintenance, resulting in substantial long-

term savings for their owners. Thus, while electric and gas cars serve similar

purposes, they differ significantly in their ecological effect and sustenance cost.

Ultimately, advancements in the automotive sector have rendered vehicles

indispensable for transportation in developed countries, fostering economic

development and improving access to remote areas. While both electric and

gasoline cars fullfit the essential function of facilitating mobility, they differ markedly

in terms of ecological footprint and running cost. Electric vehicles produce zero

emissions and generally have lower operational costs, though they depend on the

sources of electricity. In contrast, conventional cars face fluctuating fuel prices and

contribute to atmospheric pollution. With the outgoing expansion of charging

infrastructure, electric cars are increasingly recognized as a more sustainable

choice. The decision between an electric and gasoline vehicle reflect individual
priorities related to environmental concerns, economic considerations and lifestyle

preferences.

Members: Cayo Antonella and Farfán Jésica.

Wheels of choice
 Early automobiles, invented in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, were

powered by steam engines, akin to those utilized in trains. Inventors such as Nicolas

Joseph Cugnot and Richard Trevithick created these cumbersome and slow

vehicles, rendering them impractical for everyday use. Over the decades,

advancements in automotive technology have transformed vehicles into the

predominant mode of transport in developed countries. Today, consumers face a

choice between various engine types, including gasoline and electric. While both

serve the essential purpose of mobility, they differ significantly in environmental

impact and maintenance costs.

Both electric and gasoline vehicles share a common function: enhancing mobility

and providing access to remote areas, thereby fostering economic growth and social

connectivity. Whether powered by gasoline or electricity, cars enable individuals to

travel for work, leisure, and essential activities, supporting modern lifestyles.

Moreover, both types of vehicles depend on a network of refueling stations. Electric

vehicles rely on charging stations, while gasoline cars utilize gas stations. According

to the Faculty of Economy at Ucasal, efforts to expand charging infrastructure are

paralleling the extensive network established for gasoline stations, underscoring the

necessity for accessible fueling options.

Despite these similarities, the differences between electric and gasoline vehicles

are pronounced. One major distinction lies in their environmental consequences.

Traditional gasoline-powered cars emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2)

and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In contrast,

electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative.

However, it is crucial to consider the sources of electricity; if derived from fossil fuels,

the environmental advantages of electric vehicles may diminish.

based on market conditions, creating uncertainty for consumers. According to the

American Automobile Association (AAA), average gasoline prices in the U.S. can

vary widely, impacting the overall cost of ownership. Conversely, electric vehicles

generally incur lower operational costs and require less maintenance, leading to

substantial long-term savings for their owners. Thus, while both electric and gasoline

cars fulfil similar roles, they diverge significantly in terms of environmental impact

and running costs.

In conclusion, advancements in the automotive industry have rendered vehicles

indispensable for transportation in developed countries, enhancing economic

development and access to remote areas. While both electric and gasoline cars fulfill

the essential function of facilitating mobility, they differ markedly in ecological

footprint and operational costs. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions and

generally have lower running costs, though their benefits depend on the electricity

source. In contrast, conventional vehicles face fluctuating fuel prices and contribute

to atmospheric pollution. With the ongoing expansion of charging infrastructure,

electric cars are increasingly recognized as a more sustainable choice. Ultimately,

the decision between an electric and gasoline vehicle reflects individual priorities

regarding environmental concerns, economic considerations, and lifestyle

preferences.

Members: Cayo Antonella and Farfán Jésica