Expert Warns Drivers With Gas Cars About Major Change They Will Have to Get Used To

The way we drive is about to change forever. With the UK planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and Canada aiming for 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2035, the world is steering into an electric future. For those of us who love the rumble of a gas engine or the satisfying control of a manual transmission, this shift might feel daunting—like saying goodbye to an old friend.

But here’s the truth: change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be empowering. As the automotive world undergoes its biggest transformation in over a century, drivers have the unique opportunity to adapt and thrive in this new era of mobility. Whether you’re holding on to your gas-powered car for a few more years or considering a leap into EV ownership, now is the time to prepare.

The Global Push Toward Electric Vehicles

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The days of filling up at the pump without a second thought are coming to an end. Governments around the world are pushing for a future where gas-powered cars are no longer the norm, and electric vehicles take center stage.

In the UK, a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is set for 2030, with hybrid sales following by 2035. Canada is taking a similar approach, aiming for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. These deadlines might seem far off, but experts warn that the transition is already underway—and gas car drivers will have to adjust sooner than they think.

While these changes won’t make gas cars obsolete overnight, they will reshape how drivers plan their commutes, road trips, and even car purchases. Whether you’re ready or not, the road ahead is electric, and it’s only a matter of time before these shifts impact your daily driving experience.

The Shift From Manual to Automatic – A New Driving Experience

For decades, driving a manual transmission was more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it was a skill, a connection between driver and machine. There was something satisfying about smoothly shifting gears, feeling the engine respond, and having complete control over acceleration. For many, it wasn’t just about transportation; it was an experience.

But that experience is fading. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is bringing with it an irreversible change: the disappearance of manual transmissions.

Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, EVs don’t require gear changes. Their engines deliver instant torque and smooth acceleration without the need for a clutch or a stick shift. This means that future drivers—whether they like it or not—will have to get used to driving automatics.

Automotive experts point out that this shift marks a significant evolution in the industry. As manual transmissions fade, automatic driving will become the new standard, offering a simpler and more accessible experience for future generations. While it may take time for some drivers to adjust, the reality is clear: the days of stick shifts are numbered.

For younger generations, this may not seem like a big deal. Many modern cars already come with automatic transmissions, and manual vehicles are becoming less common. But for those who have spent years—perhaps decades—driving stick, the adjustment may feel like a loss of control.

So, what does this mean for drivers today?

1. If you drive a manual, prepare to adapt: While gas cars will still be around for years, the chances of finding a new manual vehicle will steadily decline. If you plan to buy a new car in the next decade, you’ll almost certainly be switching to an automatic.
2. If you’re teaching someone to drive, rethink your approach: Parents and instructors who once insisted on learning manual as a fundamental skill will have to reconsider. The future of driving is automatic, and manual transmission will become a niche specialty.
3. Embrace the benefits: While some may resist the change, automatics—and particularly EVs—offer advantages like smoother rides, fewer mechanical issues, and easier handling in traffic. While it may take time to adjust, many drivers ultimately find that they enjoy the simplicity.

The bottom line? The era of manual driving is coming to a close. For those who cherish the art of shifting gears, this change may feel bittersweet. But just like past transitions—from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, or from flip phones to smartphones—what seems unfamiliar today will soon become second nature.

Fewer Gas Stations, More Route Planning

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For decades, gas stations have been a constant presence along highways and city streets, offering quick and easy refueling stops without much thought. But as electric vehicles (EVs) take over, this familiar experience is set to change—not just for EV drivers, but for those who still own gas-powered cars.

Experts predict that as EV adoption increases, the number of gas stations will start to decline. It won’t happen overnight, but much like payphones and DVD rental stores, gas stations will slowly become less common.

As fewer people drive gas-powered cars, fuel stations will become less of a priority, and long-distance travel may require more planning. This shift mirrors what early EV adopters experienced—carefully mapping out charging stops before setting off on long trips. Over time, gas car owners will need to do the same, ensuring they have access to fuel before heading out, especially in areas where refueling options become limited.

This shift might not seem urgent now, but over the next two decades, gas car drivers will likely notice fewer fuel stations—especially in urban areas where EVs dominate. Here’s what that means for those still driving petrol or diesel vehicles:

1. Filling Up Won’t Be as Convenient

Currently, finding a gas station is effortless. But as more gas stations close, long-distance road trips and even daily commutes may require more planning. Drivers will need to start thinking ahead about where and when to refuel.

• In major cities, some stations may convert into EV charging hubs, reducing the availability of gas pumps.
• In rural areas, where gas stations are already spaced out, some may shut down due to declining demand.

2. Gasoline Prices Could Become More Volatile

With fewer stations in operation, supply and demand could cause unpredictable fuel price fluctuations. As refineries shift production toward electricity-powered transportation, maintaining fuel supplies for fewer gas cars could become more expensive, leading to price hikes.

• This could accelerate the shift for drivers who were hesitant to transition to an EV.
• Gasoline availability will remain stable in the short term but could become less predictable over time.

3. EV Charging Will Become the New Normal

As gas stations disappear, EV charging infrastructure will continue expanding. In Canada alone, the government plans to increase public charging stations from 25,500 to 33,500 by 2026. In the UK, public and home charging options are rapidly increasing, making it easier than ever to own an EV.

For gas car drivers, this means a role reversal is coming. While EV owners once had to carefully plan their journeys around charging stations, the same will eventually be true for gasoline-powered cars.

What Should Gas Car Owners Do Now?

If you’re planning to keep your gas car for years to come, it’s time to start adjusting your mindset.

• Plan ahead for long trips: Make sure to check where gas stations are located before heading out, especially in remote areas.
• Consider how long you’ll keep your car: If you plan on switching in the next decade, an EV might be a smarter investment to avoid future inconveniences.
• Pay attention to fuel prices and availability: Over time, keeping a gas-powered car may become more expensive and less convenient.

Gas stations won’t vanish overnight, but their presence will gradually decline as the world moves toward an electric future. In the coming years, owning a gas-powered vehicle may require more strategic planning than ever before. The shift is happening—whether we’re ready or not.

Financial Incentives and Government Policies

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One of the driving forces behind the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is the strong support from governments and automakers. By making EV ownership more accessible and practical, these initiatives aim to ease the transition for drivers who are hesitant to make the switch.

1. Government Rebates and Tax Incentives

Many countries offer financial incentives to encourage EV adoption. In Canada, for example, consumers can receive rebates to lower the upfront cost of an EV. These incentives help bridge the price gap between traditional gas-powered vehicles and their electric counterparts.

For automakers, meeting EV production targets comes with additional benefits, such as earning credits or receiving support for investing in public charging infrastructure. This ensures that manufacturers have a vested interest in expanding EV options.

2. Expanding EV Charging Networks

Infrastructure development is key to supporting the growth of EVs. In Canada, the government plans to increase public charging ports from 25,500 to 33,500 by 2026, with a focus on making EV charging as accessible as gas stations once were. However, uneven distribution remains a challenge, with most chargers concentrated in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.

3. Long-Term Vision for Drivers

While financial incentives and infrastructure improvements are great for new EV buyers, they also signal a gradual but inevitable shift for all drivers. Gas car owners may find themselves increasingly motivated to switch as EVs become more affordable and convenient.

The combination of financial benefits and expanding infrastructure is creating a smoother road to an electric future—one that gas car drivers will need to navigate sooner than they might think.

Embracing the Road Ahead

The automotive world is changing, and drivers of gas-powered cars must prepare for what’s ahead. From the decline of manual transmissions to fewer gas stations, the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is inevitable. While these changes might seem overwhelming, experts assure us that the transition will be gradual, giving drivers time to adjust.

Instead of resisting, now is the time to explore what this new era has to offer. Learn about government incentives, research EV options, and consider how these changes could positively impact your driving experience and the environment. Change can feel daunting, but it also brings opportunity.

The future of driving is electric. Whether you’re ready to embrace it now or choose to wait, the key is to stay informed and prepared. After all, the road ahead is yours to navigate—make it a journey worth taking.

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