People have been driving gasoline-powered cars since the early part of the 20th century, but the 21st century could see the rise of the electric car. Only a few people have bought them yet, mostly because they’re expensive and there’s nowhere to charge them. But now that a solar-powered filling station (no guilt!) just opened in Red Hook, we thought it was time for our first-ever gas car vs. electric car smackdown.
Gas guzzler
Vehicle
Electric
$10,000-$150,000
Cost
$40,000
Gasoline
Fuel
Electricity
Mini explosions inside engine
What makes it go
Batteries
Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulates, ozone
Resulting emissions
None
Saudi Arabia and other troubled lands
Source of fuel
The sun (expected to burn for five billion more years)
160 mph
Top speed
90 mph
Take it to the nearest shop.
Ease of repairs
Take it to a smart electrician.
Suburban jerks
Biggest fans
Hippies, eco-geeks, Al Gore
Five minutes, tops
Fuel-up time
Three hours
