The shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer just a distant possibility—it’s an undeniable reality barreling toward us. Governments worldwide, including major players like the UK and Canada, have already laid out clear timelines for phasing out traditional gas-powered vehicles. In the UK, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2030, with hybrid vehicles following by 2035. Canada has set its sights on achieving 100% EV sales by 2035. While these deadlines might seem far away, experts are urging gas car drivers to start preparing now for the massive changes coming their way.
One of the first and most noticeable shifts for gas car drivers will be adjusting to automatic transmissions. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars that often come with manual gearboxes, electric vehicles operate without gears entirely. Stuart Masson, an automotive expert from The Car Expert, describes this evolution as “car industry 2.0.” EVs offer a smoother, more streamlined driving experience, but for those who have spent years mastering manual transmissions, this change might feel unfamiliar and even uncomfortable at first. However, the simplicity of EV operation is expected to win over most drivers once they’ve had time to adapt.
Another significant change will be the gradual disappearance of gas stations. These fueling hubs won’t vanish overnight, but as EV adoption grows, their numbers will inevitably dwindle. For drivers who plan to stick with their gas-powered cars for the foreseeable future, this means being more strategic when planning road trips or long-distance travel. This challenge mirrors the early days of EV ownership when charging stations were few and far between, and every trip required careful route planning. In Canada, automakers are already being held to strict EV sales targets: 20% of all vehicles sold must be electric by 2026, increasing to 60% by 2030, and reaching 100% by 2035. While gas-powered cars currently on the road will remain functional and usable for years to come, the convenience of refueling at a nearby station will slowly become a thing of the past.
Another concern that has long plagued EV discussions is “range anxiety”—the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station. While this issue has largely been addressed by modern EV technology, it might eventually become a reality for gas car drivers as gas stations become scarcer. Masson argues that range anxiety for EVs is often exaggerated. He points out that the average daily trip for most drivers is only about nine miles, and modern EVs can now travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. Still, for gas car drivers, this means that planning refueling stops will become more of a necessity, much like early EV adopters relying heavily on charging maps.
Supporting this large-scale shift to electric mobility requires significant investments in charging infrastructure, and governments and private corporations are stepping up. Canada currently boasts over 25,500 charging ports, with plans to expand to 33,500 by 2026. While most of these charging stations are concentrated in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, nationwide efforts are underway to ensure access even in rural and less populated areas. This infrastructure expansion is critical not only for encouraging EV adoption but also for maintaining confidence among new and hesitant EV drivers.
Financial incentives are another key component driving this shift. Governments are offering substantial rebates and tax breaks to make EVs more affordable for consumers. Automakers are also being rewarded with credits for meeting EV production quotas or investing in charging networks. These incentives help offset the typically higher upfront costs of electric vehicles, making them more appealing to budget-conscious drivers. Combined with lower long-term maintenance costs and fuel savings, EVs are becoming an increasingly practical choice for many households.
For those who aren’t quite ready to let go of their gas-powered vehicles, there’s no immediate need for panic. According to Stuart Masson, gas car owners will still be able to drive their vehicles for decades to come. However, the direction of the automotive industry is clear: electrification is the future. Whether drivers decide to embrace this change early or wait until it becomes unavoidable, they will eventually need to adjust to the new landscape of transportation.
The transition to electric vehicles isn’t just about changing what powers our cars—it’s about shifting driving habits, rethinking infrastructure availability, and planning vehicle ownership in an entirely new way. Experts stress that while this change might feel gradual, it’s already in motion, and preparing sooner rather than later will make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Drivers who begin educating themselves about EV technology, get comfortable with automatic driving systems, and pay attention to the rollout of charging networks will have a significant advantage as this transformation unfolds.
The road ahead may look very different from what drivers are used to today, but it holds immense promise. Cleaner air, reduced noise pollution, and lower carbon footprints are just a few of the benefits awaiting those who embrace electric vehicles. For gas car drivers, the transition might seem daunting at first, but with preparation, adaptability, and an open mindset, they’ll find themselves on a smoother, quieter, and more sustainable path forward. The automotive world is evolving, and the time to prepare for that change isn’t in 2035—it’s now.
