The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a distant possibility—it is a fast-approaching reality that drivers of gas-powered cars must prepare for. Governments across the world, including the UK and Canada, are rolling out ambitious policies to phase out traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The UK has set a deadline to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with hybrid vehicles following by 2035. Likewise, Canada has pledged to achieve 100% EV sales by 2035. While these deadlines might seem far off, experts warn that major changes are already underway, making early preparation essential for gas car drivers.
One of the most immediate adjustments that gas car drivers must make is adapting to automatic transmissions. Unlike conventional gasoline vehicles, which often feature manual gearboxes, EVs operate without gears entirely. This results in a fundamentally different driving experience that may take some getting used to. Stuart Masson, an automotive expert from The Car Expert, refers to this transformation as “car industry 2.0.” While EVs offer a more seamless and straightforward driving experience, those who are accustomed to manual transmissions may find the transition challenging. However, as EVs continue to dominate the market, drivers will need to become comfortable with this new driving style.
Another inevitable shift is the gradual decline of gas stations. While they won’t vanish overnight, the number of gas stations will dwindle significantly as more drivers transition to EVs. For those who continue to drive gasoline-powered vehicles, refueling may become less convenient, especially on long road trips. This situation mirrors the early years of EV adoption when electric car owners had to plan their routes carefully due to the limited number of charging stations. In Canada, automakers must meet incremental EV sales quotas—20% by 2026, 60% by 2030, and a full transition by 2035. While gas-powered cars will remain on the road for years to come, the ease of finding fuel will gradually decline, requiring gas car drivers to adjust their travel habits.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding EV adoption is range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. However, Masson believes this fear is often exaggerated. “The average daily drive is about nine miles,” he explains, emphasizing that modern EVs can now travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. This range is more than sufficient for the vast majority of everyday driving needs. Interestingly, gas car drivers may soon face a similar issue as gas stations become increasingly scarce. Just as EV drivers rely on charging maps, those with gasoline vehicles may need to carefully plan their fuel stops in the future.
To accommodate the surge in EV usage, governments and private companies are making substantial investments in charging infrastructure. In Canada, there are already over 25,500 public charging ports, with plans to expand to 33,500 by 2026. While most of these stations are currently concentrated in provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, efforts are being made to increase accessibility across the country. As the charging network continues to expand, finding a place to recharge an EV will become just as convenient as refueling a gas car today.
Financial incentives are also playing a key role in encouraging EV adoption. Many governments offer tax credits and rebates to help offset the higher upfront costs of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to consumers. In Canada, automakers can earn credits by meeting EV production goals or investing in public charging stations, further accelerating the industry’s shift toward electrification. As battery technology advances and economies of scale reduce costs, EVs are expected to become even more affordable over time.
For those hesitant to part with their gas-powered cars, there is no immediate cause for concern. Masson reassures drivers that gasoline vehicles will still be operable for decades. However, the overall direction of the auto industry is clear—electrification is inevitable. Whether drivers choose to embrace the shift early or wait until it becomes unavoidable, they will eventually need to adapt to an all-electric future.
The transition to EVs will bring significant changes to driving habits, infrastructure availability, and long-term transportation planning. Experts stress that while the shift may feel gradual, now is the best time to start preparing. By learning about new vehicle technology, becoming familiar with automatic transmissions, and staying informed on evolving infrastructure, gas car drivers can smoothly transition into the future of transportation. While the road ahead may look different, the destination promises to be cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable for everyone.
