Gas ATV vs Electric ATV: Which Is Better?

Did you know that there are more than 10 million ATVs in use in North America today? They have become so popular because they are very fun to drive, and even teenagers are allowed to drive one if they meet specific age requirements.

At the same time, there are also many buying options available, and you can go for a gas ATV or electric ATV, depending on your preferences. But which one is better for you? Should you stick with a traditional gas ATV or go for a newer model which is powered by electricity?

This is a common debate among ATV lovers. Keep reading this article to find out more insights when it comes to the types of four-wheelers currently available on the market.

Gas ATV or Electric ATV? Which One Is Better?

If you’re currently planning on buying an ATV, the chances are that you’ll eventually stick with it for years to come. That’s why it’s important to make the right decision by analyzing a few key factors related to ATVs. Here we go:

1. Power

Although ATVs are usually not comparable with cars in terms of performance, they are much lighter, and they can achieve impressive speeds. ATVs can be routinely used on roads as well as for driving off-road, particularly when you go hunting. A gas ATV has a regular engine with one or more cylinders. The greater the cylinder capacity, the faster the gas ATV will be.

Electric ATVs don’t have conventional engines. The battery offers maximum torque by just pressing the acceleration pedal, so you’ll be taking off much quicker if you go for an electric ATV, in comparison with a gas ATV. At the same time, electric ATVs also achieve high speeds, so they can be used for hunting or even racing.

At the end of the day, if you want the fastest acceleration possible, go with an electric ATV. If that’s not a priority for you, go for a traditional gas ATV.

2. Noise

As you probably can imagine, a gas ATV will make some noise because its engine design is similar to the one of a regular car. Fuel is pumped into the cylinders where it’s burned; exhaust gases are created as a result. Those are eliminated through the exhaust system. All this process creates noise, and some very powerful gas ATVs can become noisy, especially at high speeds.

On the other hand, electric ATVs are almost silent. They have very few moving parts, they don’t burn gas, and they don’t produce exhaust gases. You press the pedal, and the ATV takes off, making a barely-audible electric sound which lets you know that the engine is running. Some say that the loudest part of an electric ATV consists of the tires rolling on tarmac or dirt.

So, if you don’t want to bother others while driving in your yard or around town, go for an electric ATV. If the noise is not a problem and you actually enjoy the classic “vroom” sound, go for a traditional gas ATV.

3.  Maintenance

When making an important investment which costs several hundred or even several thousand dollars, it’s important to consider the associated maintenance costs as well. For example, a gas ATV has multiple moving parts, so it’s normal to assume that you’ll be spending some money on repairs and improvements.

At the same time, you need to fill the fuel tank of your gas ATV on a regular basis. Depending on how much you use your ATV, this can also cost several hundred dollars every year. If you go for a relatively cheap electric ATV, you need to recharge its batteries and electricity is usually much cheaper than gasoline.

Keep in mind that electric ATVs also have fewer moving parts, so there are fewer things which can get damaged or broken. In the long run, your maintenance costs for an electric ATV will be much smaller in comparison with a gas ATV. It’s also possible to recycle lithium-ion batteries, so when those are dead, you will pay less for brand new ones if you take the old batteries to a recycling center.

4. Usability

When it comes to usability or practicality, there are also a few things to consider. For example, the benefit of having a gas ATV is that you fill it up with fuel and you go for a drive. When the tank is empty, you fill it up again in just a few minutes and continue your journey. In some cases, the range of a gas ATV is also longer in comparison with an electric ATV.

On the other hand, ATVs which are powered by electricity need to be recharged once the battery gets depleted. This process can take some hours, depending on the battery capacity of your vehicle. If you want to use your ATV regularly, you’ll probably be better off with a gas one because you don’t have to wait so much before using it again. If you use the ATV for recreational purposes and just as a hobby, an electric one might be a better investment.

5. Environment Concerns

It’s normal to think about protecting the environment when buying a new car, motorcycle or even ATV. As you probably have already figured it out, electric ATVs are highly recommended because they don’t produce toxic gases, in comparison with the gas ATVs. They use clean energy, and that’s it, no toxic fumes are released from the back. If you want to do your part in protecting the environment, you might want to go for the electric models.

Ready to Buy Your First ATV Today?

Whether you go for a gas ATV or an electric one, the chances are that you will have tons of fun! As long as you wear a helmet and don’t drive too fast, ATVs can provide a great entertainment experience for you and your family members.

But this is not all. Check out our article on how to enjoy a safer ride when driving an ATV off-road and expand your automotive knowledge.