Mercedes Mullins
Despite the emergence of electric vehicles, gasoline is still the most common fuel for cars in the US. In 2020, the US's gasoline station sector recorded a gross output of approximately $101.4 billion. The following year, gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs) made up almost 90% of light vehicle sales, including cars and light trucks. However, the number of electric vehicles on the road is growing, and several countries and cities have pledged to phase out the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2035 or 2040.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of registered gasoline-powered vehicles in the US | 100 per electric vehicle |
| Percentage increase in number of registered gasoline-powered vehicles from 2020 to 2022 | 3.5% per 10,000 people |
| Number of electric vehicles in the US in 2022 | 33 million |
| Percentage increase in number of electric vehicles from 2020 to 2022 | 135% |
| Percentage of light vehicle sales by gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs) in 2021 | 90% |
| Number of light vehicle sales in the US in 2020 | 14.5 million |
| Number of gallons of gasoline produced in the US in 1980 | 175 million |
| Number of gallons of gasoline produced in the US in 2020 | 13.8 billion |
| Number of metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted by a typical passenger vehicle per year | 4.6 |
| Number of grams of carbon dioxide emitted by burning one gallon of gasoline | 8,887 |
| Number of Americans who oppose phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035 | 59% |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline is the most-used fuel in the US
The popularity of gasoline-powered vehicles in the US can be attributed to their affordability, safety, and mass production by companies like Ford, which popularized car use with the Model T in 1908. While electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming popular due to their environmental benefits and fuel economy, they still face challenges related to efficiency, battery range, safety, and higher vehicle licensing fees in some states.
As of 2023, there are about 6,000 to 9,000 gasoline-powered registered vehicles per 10,000 people in every state, except for New York and Washington, DC, which have lower numbers. The number of registered gasoline-powered vehicles increased by 3.5% per 10,000 people from 2020 to 2022, while the number of electric vehicles on the road during this period grew by 135%. Despite the growth in electric vehicles, the US transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with gasoline vehicles contributing significantly to tailpipe GHG emissions and the production and distribution of gasoline generating additional GHGs.
The phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles, including gasoline-powered cars, is gaining momentum globally. Several countries and cities have pledged to ban the sale of new fossil-fuelled vehicles by certain dates, with India targeting 2030 and other countries aiming for 2035 or 2040. In the US, President Joe Biden's climate agenda includes proposing new emission limits for automakers to reduce gas-powered car sales. However, the idea of phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035 faces public opposition, with about 59% of Americans against it.
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Electric vehicles are growing in popularity
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars, which have long been the primary method to power vehicles. With growing environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon emissions, it's no surprise that many are making the switch to electric. This trend is particularly notable in Europe, where EVs accounted for 20.7% of new light-vehicle market sales in 2022, and in Norway, where all-electric cars made up 80% of passenger vehicle sales in 2022.
The EV market is experiencing significant growth and development worldwide. In 2021, global EV sales doubled from 2020 to 6.75 million, and in 2022, EV sales exceeded 10 million, with 14% of all new cars sold being electric. This represents a 60% increase from 2021, and by the end of 2024, electric cars could account for 20% of total car sales. The revenue in the EV market is projected to reach US$828.6 billion worldwide in 2025, with a steady annual growth rate leading to a projected market volume of US$1,084.0 billion by 2029.
Several factors are driving the increasing popularity of EVs. Firstly, consumers are becoming more conscious of their ecological footprint and are opting for greener transportation options. Additionally, the rising cost of fuel and the desire for energy efficiency have also contributed to the demand for EVs. Government initiatives and incentives, such as subsidies, tax benefits, and emissions targets, are also playing a significant role in promoting the adoption of EVs. Stricter regulations and targets for reducing carbon emissions are driving the transition to EVs, as automakers strive to meet these requirements.
Technological advancements in EV technology, such as increased miles per charge and vehicle-to-grid technology, are also making EVs more attractive to consumers. The development of the EV market is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as the availability of raw materials and government policies and regulations. The increasing number of EV charging stations is also supporting the wide uptake of EVs, with a 40% increase in public charging stock in 2023.
While there is some opposition to the idea of phasing out gas-powered vehicles, it is clear that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. With their environmental benefits, improved technology, and growing support from governments and consumers, EVs are poised to play a central role in the transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future.
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Fossil fuel vehicles are being phased out
In the United States, the government has the power to phase out fossil fuel supply and use by halting new production and phasing out existing production on public lands and waters, as well as stopping new fossil fuel infrastructure projects and ending fossil fuel exports. The US is the world's largest oil and gas producer and a dominant contributor to fossil fuel crises. In 2020, the US gasoline station sector recorded a gross output of approximately $101.4 billion, with gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs) amounting to just under 90% of light vehicle sales by fuel type. Despite this, the US is one of the 31 countries that had reached over 5% of their market as electric by the end of 2023.
At the state and local level, supply-side actions that have been implemented include fracking bans, ordinances to phase out drilling, and health and safety buffers between drilling sites and communities. On the demand side, state and local actions include setting strong greenhouse gas reduction targets, electricity sector and energy efficiency policies, and transportation sector policies such as incentives for electric vehicles, the development of EV charging infrastructure, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction. Some states have gone further, with plans to ban new gas-powered car sales by 2035, which is a central part of President Joe Biden's climate agenda.
However, the idea of phasing out the production of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 faces more public opposition than support, with about 59% of Americans opposing it and only 40% favoring it. The share of Americans who favor phasing out gas-powered vehicles has declined by 7% since 2021, with support down among both Democrats and Republicans.
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Gasoline vehicles emit dangerous air pollutants
While I wasn't able to find a precise figure for how many US citizens drive fossil fuel-powered cars, statistics show that fossil fuel-powered vehicles are still dominant in the US. In 2020, the US gasoline station sector recorded a gross output of approximately $101.4 billion. Gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs) also made up almost 90% of light vehicle sales in 2021, including cars and light trucks.
The pollutants emitted by gasoline vehicles can cause a range of health issues, including cancer, asthma, eye irritation, poisoning, heart disease, and birth defects. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas formed by the combustion of fossil fuels. When inhaled, it blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to ground-level ozone and particulate matter, causing lung irritation and weakening defenses against respiratory infections. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from cars include toxic air pollutants such as benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene, which are linked to different types of cancer.
The impact of these emissions is particularly harmful to communities located near ports and interstates, who bear the brunt of exposure to dangerous air pollution. Studies have shown that the adverse effects of pollution disproportionately affect Latinos, Blacks, and lower-income households. As a result, addressing heavy-duty vehicle pollution is critical for improving air quality and reducing emissions in these communities.
To reduce emissions and mitigate the health risks associated with gasoline vehicles, governments and industries are working towards transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). EVs have no tailpipe emissions and are powered by electric motors, eliminating concerns over emitting dangerous air pollutants. However, the transition faces challenges, including public opposition, efficiency concerns, and the lack of incentives for drivers to switch to electric cars.
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Electric vehicles have lower fuel costs
Although there is no exact data on the number of US citizens driving fossil fuel-powered cars, gasoline-powered vehicles remain pervasive in the United States. In 2020, the US gasoline station sector recorded a gross output of approximately $101.4 billion. The following year, gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs) accounted for almost 90% of light vehicle sales, including cars and light trucks.
Despite the popularity of fossil fuel-powered cars, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction as a more cost-effective alternative. EVs have lower fuel costs due to the high efficiency of electric-drive components. The fuel economy of an EV is measured by kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity consumed per 100 miles, similar to a gas-powered car's miles-per-gallon measurement. Today's light-duty EVs can exceed 130 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe) and can travel 100 miles on just 25-40 kWh. As a result, EVs have a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over conventional vehicles. For example, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon (MPG), while the conventional 2024 Corolla is estimated at 35 MPG.
The lower fuel costs of EVs are further demonstrated by a 2018 study, which found that the average cost to fuel an electric car was $485 annually, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. Similarly, a 2020 Consumer Reports study showed that EV drivers spent about 60% less on fuel costs than drivers of gas-powered cars. These savings are due to the higher efficiency of EVs, which are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at travelling a mile than gasoline-powered cars.
In addition to lower fuel costs, EVs offer reduced maintenance expenses. Without spark plugs to replace or oil to change, EVs typically cost half as much to maintain and repair as gas-powered cars. They also feature "regenerative" braking, which recovers energy normally lost during braking, resulting in less frequent brake pad replacements.
While the purchase price of an EV can be higher, these initial costs can be offset by fuel cost savings, federal tax credits, and state and utility incentives. As production volumes increase and battery technologies advance, prices of EVs are expected to become more competitive with conventional vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are about 6,000 to 9,000 gasoline-powered registered vehicles per 10,000 people in the US. New York and Washington, DC are the exceptions, with 5,076 and 4,052 per 10,000, respectively.
While there are no exact figures on the percentage of US citizens driving fossil fuel-powered cars, it is safe to assume that a significant number do, given that gasoline is the most common vehicle fuel in the country.
Yes, alternatives to fossil fuel-powered cars in the US include electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Electric vehicles offer several benefits over conventional fossil fuel-powered cars, including improved fuel economy, lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and improved public health and safety.
