Will EVs Replace Petrol Cars by 2035? Experts Reveal the Truth!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer futuristic machines. They are part of our daily roads, and their numbers continue to rise. Governments are announcing clean mobility targets, automakers are shifting towards electrification, and buyers are exploring EVs due to lower running costs.

This leads to an important question: Will EVs replace petrol cars by 2035?

The answer is not simple. To understand this future, we must look at real data, engineering facts, global policies, and expert opinions. This article explains everything in a clear and professional way.

What the 2035 Deadline Really Means

Many people assume petrol cars will disappear by 2035. This is not correct. The 2035 target applies only to new car sales in certain countries.

Are Petrol Cars Being Banned?

No.
Countries are not banning existing petrol or diesel cars. They are only planning to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035.

This means:

• Existing petrol cars can still run on roads.
• Used petrol cars can still be bought and sold.
• Petrol pumps will continue to operate.

In simple terms, 2035 is not the death of petrol vehicles.

2 Global policies for 2035

Here is the current status of major regions:

3 What happens to existing petrol cars after 2035?

Nothing changes for them.
Petrol cars typically last 15–20 years. They will remain on the road for decades, even after 2035.

EV Growth vs Petrol Cars — What the Data Shows

Understanding the shift from petrol to EV requires looking at both market and engineering data.

1 Current EV adoption

According to global automotive reports:

• EVs made up about 18% of new vehicle sales in 2024.
• China and Europe are the fastest-growing EV markets.
• Norway leads the world with more than 85% EV sales.
• India is growing, but still far behind global leaders.

2 Forecast for 2030–2035

By 2035:

• EVs could reach 45–60% of new car sales globally.
• Charging networks may expand 8 to 10 times.
• Battery prices may fall significantly.

However, even with such growth, petrol cars will remain because millions are already on the road.

3 Why EV sales are rising

Key reasons include:

• Lower running and maintenance costs
• Better battery performance
• Government subsidies
• Rising petrol prices
• Increased availability of models

Why EVs Will Not Fully Replace Petrol Cars by 2035

Even with strong growth, full replacement is unlikely by 2035. Several engineering and economic factors prevent this.

1 High upfront cost

EVs still cost more due to the battery pack. Prices are falling, but the gap remains large in developing markets.

2 Limited charging infrastructure

Urban areas have charging stations, but rural regions lack:

• Fast chargers
• Reliable power supply
• Grid stability

This limits large-scale EV adoption.

3 Battery raw material challenges

EV batteries require materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. These minerals have supply chain limitations, mining challenges, and geopolitical risks.

4 Power grid limitations

A full shift to EVs would increase electricity demand by 20–30%. Many countries need major infrastructure upgrades to support this load.

5 Long lifespan of petrol cars

Petrol cars remain functional for 15–20 years. So even after new petrol car sales stop, existing vehicles will continue to run for decades.

Technologies That Could Speed Up EV Adoption

Future innovations may accelerate EV popularity.

1 Solid-State Batteries (SSB)

Expected between 2027 and 2030, SSBs offer:

• Better energy density
• Faster charging
• Longer life
• Higher safety

Companies like Toyota, Nissan, and QuantumScape are leading development.

2 Ultra-fast charging

New 800V and higher-voltage platforms enable charging in 10–15 minutes, similar to filling petrol.

3 New battery chemistries

Sodium-ion, LFP, and silicon-anode batteries can reduce cost and material dependency.

4 Smart and solar-powered home charging

More households will adopt solar charging systems to reduce running costs further.

Expert Opinions — What the Industry Believes

Experts across engineering, environmental science, and economics agree on one thing: EVs will grow fast, but petrol cars will not disappear in 2035.

1 Automotive engineers

They believe:

• EVs are ideal for urban mobility.
• Petrol vehicles will remain in rural regions.
• Hybrids offer a practical transition.

2 Environmental experts

They support EV adoption but expect a mix of EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen vehicles for a cleaner future.

3 Market analysts

Reports from IEA and BloombergNEF suggest:

• Rapid EV adoption in Europe, China, and North America
• Moderate adoption in India
• Slow adoption in Africa and Southeast Asia

4 Automaker perspectives

• Tesla: Supports full EV future
• Toyota: Prefers Hybrid + EV + Hydrogen mix
• Tata Motors: Strong focus on EV growth in India
• Hyundai: Investing in EVs and hydrogen fuel cell technology

Should You Buy Petrol or EV Between 2025 and 2030?

Here is a practical guide based on engineering analysis and cost factors.

1 Buy a petrol car if:

• Your budget is low
• You drive long distances daily
• Charging stations are limited in your region

2 Buy an EV if:

• You mostly drive in cities
• You can install a home charger
• You want low running and maintenance cost
• You want a future-proof option

3 Best choice for most buyers: Hybrid vehicles

Hybrids offer:

• High fuel efficiency
• Low maintenance
• No charging issues
• Smooth driving experience

They provide a balanced transition between petrol and EV.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions