Electric vs. Petrol: Which Car Should You Rent for Your Next Trip in Dubai?

Dubai stands as a sanctuary for the most exotic and luxurious vehicles. This car lover's dream destination offers an unparalleled rental experience. In this emirate of gold, you get the opportunity to rent and self-drive breathtaking global car brands. From captivating Ferraris and bold Lamborghinis to elegant Rolls-Royces and cutting-edge Teslas, Dubai transforms your automotive fantasies into reality. With the increasing popularity of technologically advanced electric vehicles (EVs) from leading brands such as Tesla, Audi, Porsche, and BMW, there is a surge in conflict over which cars are better for rental—electric or petrol. Below, I've compared electric vs. petrol cars based on several factors. In the end, you'll be able to decide which car you should rent for your next trip to Dubai.

Electric Car vs Petrol Car—the Ultimate Breakdown

Both petrol cars and electric cars have their respective pros and cons. One might stand clear of the other in some aspect and vice versa. I've considered some important factors and compared them. These comparisons are completely based on rental reasons. If you're here to determine a purchase, it can help you to some extent. Let's see how the electric vehicles (EVs) compare against the petrol-powered cars.

Rental Prices & Options

Dubai's car rental market offers electric vehicles (EVs) starting at AED 200 to AED 28,000 per day. Rabdan One is the cheapest EV for rental in Dubai, whereas the Tesla Cyber Truck is the most expensive. If you compare this to ICE cars, the cheapest car you can rent is a Nissan Micra, which only costs AED 60 per day. The most expensive petrol car is the Bugatti Chiron. It will cost you AED 20,000 per day.

It shows that you will be able to rent a wide range of cheap petrol cars in comparison to electric cars. This might completely change in a couple of years. But for now, petrol cars dominate both the economy as well as the luxury section. Having said that, except for the Cybertruck, all EVs in Dubai will cost you less than AED 500 per day. This also depends on the limited availability of EVs in Dubai. In the future, electric cars will dominate the market, but not in 2025.

Verdict: Petrol cars for cheaper prices and a wide range of options.

Fueling vs Charging

Dubai has almost 2000 gas stations. In 2025, we expect the number of EV charging stations to increase to 1000 from the current 740+. These are excellent numbers for both petrol and electric cars. If you compare the fueling cost of petrol cars and the charging cost of EVs, the electric spectrum wins by a huge margin.

However, the convenience of quick refueling and hitting the road instantly goes away with electric vehicles. It takes time to recharge, and this is not an ideal case for travelers with a constricted time window. Petrol cars deserve the win in terms of time efficiency.

Verdict: EVs for cheaper recharging costs but petrol cars for refueling convenience.

Driving Dynamics & Performance

Whatever their advancements, EVs will never satisfy car enthusiasts' V8 and V12 cravings. However, this is my personal opinion, and some might not agree with it. The raves and pure dominance of powerful engines will vanish entirely from the EVs. EVs do offer a smooth driving experience. But they cannot reach the level of petrol cars when it comes to exhilarating performances that draw the attention of everyone on the streets.

EVs can be a good option if you want a smooth driving experience while traveling within Dubai. However, if you want to explore the entire Emirates by dominating the streets and highways, petrol cars, especially sports cars and supercars, are what you go for. Also, EVs might not still compete with petrol-powered cars when it comes down to one-on-one performance.

Verdict: Gasoline cars for both smooth and dynamic driving experiences.

Range: City Ride vs Long Drive

Electric cars are an excellent choice if you only plan to drive within Dubai. They will save you money and offer a smooth driving experience. I choose EVs over gas-fed cars for city drives. However, the situation changes significantly for long-distance drives. If I have to drive to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah, I would pick a petrol car.

The availability of charging stations is abundant within Dubai. However, it is not the same when you venture out. Conversely, you'll find petrol stations wherever you go in the UAE. You won't have to worry about running out of fuel while exploring the intricacies of the Emirates. I cannot say the same about electric cars.

Verdict: EVs for city drives but gas cars for long drives.

Convenience vs Sustainability

If you care about the environment and sustainability, you should go for electric cars. Petrol engines don't contribute anything to the cause. EVs, in the long term, are better choices. They are emissions-free and help conserve the environment. The increase in eco-conscious mindsets among people will give rise to electric cars.

Eco-friendly electric cars will dominate Dubai's car rental market in ten years. Many top auto brands are investing huge amounts. The UAE government also wants to go all-electric by 2050. This is a good step toward the well-being of the whole world. So, this should be a win for electric vehicles (EVs).

Verdict: Electric cars for futuristic aspirations.

Final Verdict: Which Car Should You Rent for Your Next Trip in Dubai?

There is no definite answer to which car you should choose on your next visit to Dubai. It varies from one person to another. Some prefer petrol cars while others like electric cars. It's all a matter of opinion, and opinions are always different. Choosing between an EV and a petrol car depends on what your preferences are. Here's how I've simplified them for you:

Pick an electric car (EV) if you:

• are planning to drive within Dubai. There are no plans for driving across the Emirates.
• want to save some money on fuel. EV charging is cheaper than gasoline in Dubai.
• seriously care about the environment. Eco-friendly driving will support what you believe in.
• don’t mind long stops while charging your car during your travel.

Pick a gasoline car if you:

• plan on driving across the Emirates. You don't have to worry about charging stations and running low on fuel.
• prefer an unlimited travel range without restrictions. EVs come with 300–500 km ranges.
• want convenience and faster refueling during your journey.
• desire to experience the traditional driving dynamics, fueled with radial velocities and enthralling torques.