Will Gas Cars be Worthless in 5 Years?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the automotive industry, a pressing question looms ahead for car buyers: Will gas powered cars become obsolete in the next five years?

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has been accelerating, pushed heavily by environmental concerns, the goal of reducing carbon emissions, advancements in battery technology, electric motor technology, and significant investments by governments and private companies. These are all in favor of the shift from the internal combustion engine towards green energy.

Will Gas Cars Be Banned Soon?

It's safe to say, the reliance and acceptance of gas vehicles will remain for years to come. Purchasing a new vehicle powered by gasoline remains possible across all 50 states until 2035. This is according to USA Today in an article published just recently.

It's expected there will still be more gas cars than electric in the next five years. What will happen however is that value of a gas vehicle will diminish over time due to depreciation and being considered more obsolete in the next few years. Additionally, lower income car buyers will take advantage of that steep depreciation, to attain a cheaper form of transportation in the use gas car sales segment.

Still for the time being, new gas cars are still in production and new vehicles cars that are gas powered will still be 5 years from now, regardless of the known environmental impact. From 2017 to 2022, EV cars sold jumped from around 1 million to more than 10 million. It's not expected that until about 2050 that electric cars will all but have far surpassed gas vehicles all over the world. So we are pretty far from a zero emission world where it's all EV sales (or other alternatives).

auto transport electric truck

Auto Transport Services

The assumption that bans on gas cars will render auto transport services obsolete is not accurate. Instead, these services are going to evolve in response to changing regulations and consumer demands. Starting off, shipping of electric vehicles will become more commonplace, adjusting the focus of auto transport companies like NX. The specifics of transporting EVs may differ somewhat, considering their unique requirements such as battery preservation during transport, and specific procedures to protect the electric drive motors. However, the fundamental service of moving vehicles from one location to another will continue on, eventually evolving to include the use of alternative fuel car carriers, such as electric versions of the semi's.

green energy vehicle

Technological Advancements and Market Share

The auto industry is at a rather large tipping point towards electricity, driven by a concerted push for long term sustainability and new innovations that have pushed us passed gas powered cars. Taking electric vehicles, once this niche market, now have surged in popularity, thanks to significant improvements in battery life allowing for long distances, charging infrastructure, and overall vehicle performance.

Companies pioneering electric tech, such as Tesla have led the charge in the auto market towards EV's, but traditional automotive giants and legacy automakers such as GM and Volkswagen are also committing to "electrification", pledging to phase out gasoline and diesel cars in favor of an all-electric future because of their environmental benefits.

However, the transition to electric vehicles is not without its challenges. The global supply chain issues, the scarcity of minerals required for lithium battery production, and the need for a more robust and accessible charging infrastructure are significant hurdles that absolutely need to be addressed to support a fully electric vehicle ecosystem.

alternative fuel vehicle tech 1

Other Emerging Technologies

The emergence of more alternatives like hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollution overall are on the horizon. Aside from the battle for sustainability will not just be between gas and electric cars, which should prove to be very interesting to see in years to come. It can easily be gas powered car versus hydrogen, ethanol, and electric cars. We are yet to see this play out. There's even rumors of

Policy and Regulatory Environment

Governments around the world are playing a crucial role in this transition from gas powered vehicles with regulations and incentives. For example, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and several states in the United States, especially California, have announced very ambitious plans to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars within the next 10 to 15 years. These policy moves are not only aimed at reducing carbon emissions from internal combustion engines, but also at stimulating the demand for electric vehicles and encouraging investments in green technologies.

Incentives towards the purchase of an electric car such as tax rebates, grants for electric vehicle purchases, and investments in charging infrastructure are pivotal in making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable to the average consumer. However, the pace and extent of these policies vary significantly across different regions, influencing the speed at which the transition from gas to electric cars occurs.

The Consumer's Behavior and Their Acceptance

The Consumer and their acceptance is another major factor when determining the future of gasoline cars. While there is growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles, range anxiety, charging times, and the initial cost of EVs remain significant concerns for potential buyers. However, as battery technology advances and more charging stations become available, these concerns are gradually being mitigated.

The resale value of gasoline cars is also a growing concern for current owners. As the market shifts towards electric vehicles, the demand for gasoline cars is expected to decline, potentially reducing their resale value. However, this transition away from gasoline powered cars might not be as abrupt as some fear. The demand for used gasoline cars may remain robust in areas with insufficient charging infrastructure or among consumers who are not yet ready to make the switch to electric. While in others highly motivated towards electrification may see a decline in available gas stations.

The Shift Towards Electric Vehicles

The drive (so to speak) towards eco friendliness and sustainability has placed electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of transportation policy. Major cities are announcing plans to phase out gasoline cars, so the automotive market is witnessing a huge shift.

This transition aims to lower air pollution levels by eliminating fossil fuels and align with what is turning into the consensus on environmental goals.

However, this move also prompts a reassessment of how vehicle shipping services operate within this transition.

The Impact on Consumers and Vehicle Values

As cities implement bans on gasoline vehicles, the dynamics of vehicle ownership and value are poised to shift. Electric vehicles, which are currently seen as premium products, are expected to become more accessible and affordable, driven by technological advancements and economies of scale. Conversely, the demand for gasoline cars in urban areas subject to bans may decrease, potentially affecting their resale value. However, the appeal of gas cars may remain strong in regions without such restrictions, maintaining a market for shipping services to and from these areas.

Navigating the Transition

Vehicle shipping companies are likely to adapt their operations to accommodate the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles. This could involve investing in specialized equipment or training to handle EVs safely and efficiently. Moreover, the industry might see a diversification of services, including the transport of charging equipment or providing logistics for a fully electric fleet.

The Broader Implications

The anticipated bans on gasoline vehicles underscore a significant shift towards sustainable urban living. While these changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities for innovation within the auto transport sector. Companies that proactively adapt to the electric vehicle era will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulatory landscapes.

In conclusion, the move to ban gasoline vehicles in major cities like New York and Los Angeles marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability. While this transition will undoubtedly impact the auto transport industry, it will not signal its end. Instead, it heralds a period of adaptation and evolution, with electric vehicles taking center stage in the new era of urban transportation. As the industry navigates these changes, its ability to adapt will be crucial in continuing to provide vital services to consumers across the country.

the road ahead electric or gas

The "Road" Ahead

Predicting the complete obsolescence of gas cars within the next five years goes far beyond the trajectory we are on. While the momentum towards electric vehicles is undeniable, the transition is dependent on a multitude of factors including technological advancements, policy measures, infrastructure development, and consumer behavior. All which point to a slow and steady shift, rather than an abrupt change.

It's highly unlikely that gasoline cars will become completely worthless in the next five years, as the global fleet cannot transition overnight. However, as mentioned their market value and desirability are expected to decline steadily. The transition period will see a mixed automotive landscape, where electric and gasoline vehicles coexist, albeit with a clear shift towards electrification when it comes to new car sales.

In conclusion, the automotive industry is no doubt undergoing a historic transformation, with electric vehicles at the forefront of this change. While it's highly improbable that gasoline car sales will stop and they will be rendered obsolete in the immediate future, their prominence is undoubtedly diminishing. The next five years will be critical in shaping the policies, technologies, and consumer preferences thanks to the awareness of the many benefits of electrification and the enviromnental impact that is clearly seen by fossil fuels.

This time will define the automotive landscape for generations to come. As we navigate towards this electric horizon, the collective efforts of governments, industries, and consumers will have a tremendous amount of change occur, realizing a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem.

Carl has a decade of experience in the car shipping industry. He has worked in nearly every aspect of the transport business since 2014, taking charge of various roles in the company such as dispatching, sales, and customer service.

During those years, Carl amassed an invaluable amount of experience which has contributed to his writing of every article and and guide on NX since taking over content in 2015.