If you’ve spent any time sat in a ludicrously long queue for petrol this past week or so in the UK, you might have had some time to think about folly of it all.

Not just the fact you’re watching an apocalyptic soul in front fill an old windscreen wash container to the brim with diesel, but all this fossil fuel lark. Do you really need it in your life? Or is it time to go electric?

The electric vs petrol debate should be fairly simple. The planet is burning up, and we’ve got this lovely, sustainable electric technology available to us – so why aren’t we all using it?

Unfortunately, the answer is far from being that simple, and the petrol/diesel vs electric question has been hotly debated for a good while now.

Say you’re buying your next car; which way should you go?

The case for combustion

While the petrol/diesel vs electric conundrum is and has been steadily shifting towards EVs for a while now, the bottom line is petrol and diesel cars are still winning. The reason for that is virtually one factor and one factor alone – cost.

Cars are expensive, but electric cars are really expensive. They used to be even pricier, and while there’s no doubt they’re getting cheaper (and will eventually reach parity) as electric technology becomes more widespread and manufacturing efforts turn solely to EVs, most average folk out there simply can’t stump up the cash right now for an electric option.

With that said, combustion cars aren’t particularly cheap at the moment either. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a global microchip shortage, new car availability is sparse while used car prices have soared to record levels. So, if you are buying right now, prepare to spend big - and you’ll probably want a car warranty to have peace of mind.

Is it time to go electric?

The funny thing about the ‘too expensive’ stigma for EVs is that once you get past the upfront cost, they’re comprehensively cheaper to own. Cheaper running costs, cheaper maintenance, cheaper insurance. In fact, lower operating costs in just about every area you can think of.

They’re also built for the future. Zero emissions, in line with our generation’s sustainable goals and getting more charge-efficient and range capable with every release. And as for performance, put your foot down in a Tesla Model S and it’ll leave just about any combustion supercar in its dust.

Thus, if you can get past the upfront cost, they’re undoubtedly the better option. But, for now, that is a rather big ‘if’ for many.

One thing to bear in mind is that 2030 sees a full ban on the production of new petrol and diesel vehicles, with hybrids following suit in 2035. As we get closer to that date, expect to see the tide turn firmly in favour of EVs, as manufacturers, insurers and maintenance providers turn their attention away from traditional vehicles.

The conclusion, then? That largely boils down to your priorities and, probably most importantly, your budget. If you’re looking to buy a car that’s ready for the future and built to last for the foreseeable, you’ll want to go electric – as long as you can afford the initial price tag.

However, with many great combustion options out there and the domestic used car market always buzzing, those thinking short term bargain will still stick with petrol and diesel options.