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With New Vehicle Prices Increasing and Charging Infrastructure Expanding, Experts Point to Electric Cars as the Most Cost-Effective and Advantageous Option for Short Trips.
In recent years, the debate about the future of vehicles has intensified. Although gasoline and diesel vehicles are still the most common, new alternatives are gaining ground. And for an experienced mechanic, the answer is already clear: the electric car is the cheapest technology to use and maintain.
Market Changes and the Challenges of Electrification
Today, consumers face a transforming market.
Hybrids — whether conventional or plug-in — emerge as an intermediate option.
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Hyundai sells an executive minivan that looks like a VIP room on wheels: Custin carries 7 people, uses a 1.5 turbo engine with 168 hp, 8-speed automatic transmission, and costs around R$ 157,000 in direct conversion in Vietnam.
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The 7-seater Toyota that seems too cheap to exist in Brazil: Rush has a 1.5 engine, manual or automatic option, and a converted price close to R$ 81,000, while here families need to aim for much more expensive SUVs.
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The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles draw attention for their lack of emissions and low maintenance needs. But they still face significant barriers.
Limited access to charging stations and higher prices deter many buyers.
Although some governments still have electric car incentive programs, the initial cost of an electric car still weighs heavily on the wallet.
Additionally, factors such as the reduced range of some models and concerns about resale worsen the scenario.
The Weight of Price in Vehicle Choice
Buying a new car has become a challenge for many Brazilian families. Models that were once considered popular and affordable are now priced out of reach. A clear example is the Fiat Mobi, which could be found a few years ago for less than R$ 30 thousand.
Today, its most basic version surpasses R$ 70 thousand — more than double the original value, even without significant changes to the model.
Used Vehicles Are Growing, but Doubts Remain
With the new prices, many people are turning to the used or certified pre-owned market.
This trend already dominates a large part of sales in Brazil. But a new question arises: what type of engine to choose? The list is extensive — gasoline, diesel, hybrid, liquefied gas, electric, hydrogen — and the choice is not always simple.
A Mechanic’s Opinion
Recently, an engine specialist shared his direct view on the issue.
For him, those who have access to charging points and make short trips should immediately consider switching to an electric car. “The cost of usage and maintenance is close to, or even cheaper than, that of a combustion vehicle,” he explained.
For those who still don’t have the structure for a full electric car, the advice is to invest in some form of electrification.
“A hybrid or plug-in hybrid guarantees range for long trips and still allows for zero emissions in cities,” the specialist commented.
The specialist’s conclusion reinforces a growing trend: electrification as an inevitable path.
Whether for environmental, economic, or comfort reasons, adapting to this new reality seems to be the most logical step for the coming years. And for many, this future has already begun.
However, this trend needs to be accompanied by increased investment in the necessary infrastructure to charge electric vehicles.
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