Gas Cars in 10 Years: Will Gas Cars Become Obsolete?

The ever-growing presence of electric vehicles in today’s automobile industry brings forth a question about the longevity of gas-powered vehicles. This is the article for you if you’ve been wondering, Will gas cars become obsolete? and, When will gas cars become obsolete?

In this article, we take a look at whether or not gas cars will become obsolete in 10 years. With an increasingly environmentally-conscious consumer base, the fight between zero-emission vehicles, diesel vehicles, and other combustion vehicles will have a big impact on the current traditional fossil fuel-based automobile industry. This might be even more the case with autonomous vehicles.

What Are Gas Cars?

Gas cars are vehicles that use gasoline, petrol, or diesel as their fuel. Gas vehicles are the conventional vehicles that dominate the auto industry. These types of cars use a gasoline fueling model and work using an internal combustion engine. Internal combustion engine vehicles range from pickup trucks to light-duty vehicles, sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks.

Currently, the gas-powered car sector is larger than that of diesel vehicles and electric vehicles. However, sustainability and climate change initiatives in recent years have led to a rise in the production of electric and hybrid vehicles. According to the US Department of Energy, electric vehicles sales increased by 1.4 percent in 2019 and 1.7 percent in 2020.

Will Gas Cars Be Replaced by Future Technology?

Maybe. The answer isn’t simple and relies on the success of current global and governmental climate change initiatives. Gasoline engines are responsible for releasing harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide leading to further deterioration of our air quality.

However, gas cars and diesel cars still hold the title of the conventional car across the global auto market, especially outside of North America. However, there are a few factors indicating a potential takeover.

Electric Vehicle Sales and Production Are On the Rise

The global sale and production of electric models of cars are rapidly on the rise. Tesla’s electric cars have led this game-changing evolution across the automobile industry. According to Statista’s Tesla Deliveries report, their deliveries have increased from 79,500 units in 2016 to 935,950 units in 2021, a close to 1,200 percent increase over five years.

This data is also reflected by the production of electric vehicles across almost all brands. Today, major automakers such as Mercedes, Ford, General Motors, Honda, BMW, and Mazda all have fully electric or hybrid vehicles. The rise of electric vehicles sales means an increase in popularity, which has a direct impact on the gas car industry.

Depleting World Oil Reserves

The simple fact is that oil is not a renewable energy source and that global oil reserves are being depleted rather quickly, this, naturally, directly impacts the gasoline car and fuel economy. According to BP’s 2020 statistical review of the world’s oil energy, global oil production has fallen by 6.6 million barrels per day since 2009 and reserves went down by two billion barrels in 2020.

This is a cyclical process. The depletion of the fuel source forces the automobile industry to adapt to newer alternatives. This sends the production and sale of electric and hybrid cars up, which means less need for oil to power cars which, in turn, leads to the production of less oil.

Global Governmental Sustainable Initiatives

Whether it’s Norway’s ambitious goal of a 100 percent ban on gas cars sales by 2025 or India’s plan to transform two-thirds of new vehicles into electric cars, many countries have pledged their efforts towards sustainability. This global movement toward sustainability acts as a prominent reason gas cars could become obsolete in the near future.

Jobs of Automotive Mechanics Are Stagnant

Another reason gas cars may become obsolete is that career projections for automotive technicians and mechanics are stagnant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for automotive technicians and mechanics is projected to grow by zero percent between 2020 to 2030.

As the car industry advances into more electric production, the jobs for electric automobile mechanics will rise. If you’re studying or already have a career in automotive repair, you may want to realign the focus of your studies or adapt your skills to match the current industry demands.

Cheaper Maintenance Cost and Government Incentives

The composition of electric vehicles, with fewer mechanical parts than gas cars, makes their maintenance cost relatively cheaper. Pairing that with government tax credit incentives and financial rewards increases the appeal of purchasing an electric vehicle.

Technologies and Trends That Could Make Gas Cars Obsolete

There are a wide variety of new technologies and trends that could potentially make gas cars obsolete. Below are the top three upcoming vehicle technologies that could severely affect the production of gas-powered vehicles.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Along with traditional electrical vehicles, the manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles is a trend that could potentially impact the gas car industry. These cars use hydrogen, a much less polluting gas, for their internal engine combustion.

This is higher on the sustainability index and is on par with the global green movement. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles are usually also eligible for tax incentives related to sustainability. If you are pursuing a degree in sustainable engineering, this technology also creates more jobs for environmental engineering degree holders.

Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles Technology

Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are currently the biggest threat to gas-powered cars. These technologies use batteries, plugins, or hybrid power sources that are currently considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Owning a Tesla or another electric vehicle is also becoming a symbol of social status, which acts as an additional threat to gas car sales.

Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging

Charging an electric car is already significantly less expensive than refilling a gas-powered car. The inception of electric vehicles and car charging stations has brought along with it wireless electric car charging technology similar to the technology used to wirelessly charge phones. Having a wireless charger for your car is a convenient and attractive option for potential buyers.

When Will Gas Cars Become Obsolete?

The increasing popularity, sale, and production of electric and hybrid cars could potentially make gas cars obsolete in the next 10 to 15 years. This projection is also reflected by global governmental efforts to reduce and ban fuel-based cars by the year 2030. This does not mean, however, that the gas-fuel car industry will entirely be eliminated. Rather, it’ll evolve and reduce.

What This Means for Businesses

The eventual phasing out and obsoletion of gas cars will impact many businesses and professions. The fuel-based car industry currently dominates the automobile industry and is worth billions of dollars. However, the rapid growth of electric vehicle manufacturing is on track to decrease the industry’s revenue.

Change in Supply Chain and Production Resources

The biggest threat to gas cars is that the production and sale of electric vehicles are reaching originally fuel-based car manufacturers. These businesses now need to source lithium batteries, hydrogen cell tanks, and other electric car parts, which might affect their supply chain and the procurement of resources. Businesses will need to adapt and procure these raw materials from new suppliers.

Improved Environmental Credentials and Potential Cost Reduction

A shift towards electric and more sustainable automobile technologies over fuel-based vehicles will enable businesses to be on par with global environmental initiatives. Depending on the country’s sustainability regulations, businesses might receive tax breaks that could not only reduce operational costs, but also help with advertising their new vehicles by appealing to the general public.

Enhanced Overall Reputation

Working towards planet protection and sustainability will enhance the overall reputation of businesses. This may translate to rebranding and marketing strategies for and increase revenues.

Transformation of Automobile Professions

Businesses will also be impacted by the employment requirement for automotive-related professions. If your skills are primarily related to the gas car industry, you may want to start looking into opportunities for further training or consider a career change to adapt to the industry’s needs. You may find a new calling by exploring the highest-paying careers for mechanics.

Do Gas Cars Have a Future?

No. The future of gas cars isn’t looking good, with many international governments planning to eliminate them entirely. Despite this, not all governments and countries have the ability to switch entirely, so the future of gas cars is more transformative and headed towards a more sustainable trajectory than heading towards complete obsolescence.

Businesses have been integrating electric vehicles and hybrid models into their products to keep up with the changing times. Despite this, electric car technologies aren’t as prevalent or currently realistic for many parts of the world. To keep up with the changing industry, professionals will need to adapt and acquire more technology and electrical-based skills.

Will Gas Cars Become Obsolete? FAQ