The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a distant possibility but an imminent reality that gas car drivers must prepare for. Governments worldwide, including the UK and Canada, have established ambitious timelines to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles. The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with hybrids following by 2035. Similarly, Canada is targeting 100% EV sales by 2035. While these deadlines may seem far off, experts warn that the necessary adjustments will begin long before then, making early preparation essential.
One of the first significant changes that gas car drivers will need to adapt to is the widespread use of automatic transmissions. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, which often feature manual gearboxes, EVs do not require gears. Stuart Masson, from The Car Expert, refers to this transition as “car industry 2.0.” While EVs provide a smoother and simpler driving experience, those who have spent years using manual transmissions may find the shift challenging. However, as more EVs populate the roads, manual transmission vehicles will gradually phase out, leaving drivers with fewer options but to adapt.
Another major shift will be the gradual decline of gas stations. While they will not disappear overnight, their numbers will significantly decrease as EV adoption increases. This means gas car drivers will need to be more strategic about planning fuel stops, particularly for long-distance travel. This situation mirrors the early days of EV adoption, where drivers had to carefully map out routes around limited charging stations. In Canada, automakers must meet incremental EV sales targets, with 20% by 2026, 60% by 2030, and full adoption by 2035. Even though gas-powered cars will remain on the road for years, the convenience of readily available gas stations will gradually diminish, requiring drivers to make adjustments.
A common concern among potential EV buyers is range anxiety—the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station. However, Masson argues that this worry is often exaggerated. “The average journey is about nine miles,” he explains, noting that modern EVs now offer ranges of up to 250 miles per charge, which is more than sufficient for daily driving needs. Gas car drivers may eventually experience a similar kind of anxiety as gas stations become increasingly scarce. The need to plan fuel stops ahead of time will become as crucial as early EV drivers’ reliance on charging maps.
To facilitate the transition, governments and private companies are investing heavily in expanding charging infrastructure. In Canada, there are currently over 25,500 charging ports, with a goal of reaching 33,500 by 2026. While the majority of these are concentrated in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, efforts are underway to increase accessibility nationwide. As infrastructure grows, charging stations will become as common as traditional gas stations, making the switch to EVs more practical for the average driver.
Financial incentives are another key component driving EV adoption. Governments are introducing various rebates and tax credits to offset the higher initial costs of EVs, making them a more attractive and accessible option. In Canada, automakers can earn credits by meeting EV production targets or by investing in public charging networks, further accelerating the transition to electric mobility. As battery technology improves and production scales up, EV prices are expected to continue dropping, making them an increasingly viable choice for consumers.
For those hesitant to give up their gas-powered vehicles, there is no immediate need for concern. Masson reassures drivers that gas cars will still be operable for decades, even as the industry moves toward electrification. However, as EVs become the standard, infrastructure, consumer habits, and the market itself will inevitably shift. Those who prepare now will have an easier time adapting, whether they choose to transition early or wait until change is unavoidable.
The transition to EVs is bringing profound changes to driving habits, infrastructure, and long-term vehicle planning. Experts emphasize that while the shift may feel gradual, the time to start preparing is now. By understanding new technologies, getting accustomed to automatic transmissions, and keeping track of evolving infrastructure, drivers can smoothly transition into the electric era. While the road ahead may look different, the destination promises to be cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable for everyone.
