Why Gas Cars Still Matter in Today’s Economy

The Headlines vs. Reality

For more than a decade, news outlets and politicians have predicted that electric cars would soon take over the roads. Subsidies and tax credits continue to flow into EV production, manufacturers promote ambitious new lineups, and investors pour money into the sector as if it is the only future for transportation.

But Jack DeBrabander believes the reality looks very different. He points out that gas-powered cars remain the backbone of how people live and work. For most drivers, the transition is not as simple as the headlines make it sound. Ignoring the importance of gas cars could create serious economic consequences.

Infrastructure Still Favors Gas Cars

One of the main reasons gas cars remain essential is infrastructure. Jack DeBrabander emphasizes that charging stations are far from universally available. In big cities, charging options have improved, but in small towns and rural areas, they are still rare. A family taking a long road trip may need to plan every stop around finding a charger, something gas drivers never worry about.

Gas stations, on the other hand, are everywhere—at highway exits, downtown corners, and in every small town across America. This accessibility matters. It allows businesses and individuals to operate without interruption. Jack DeBrabander argues that until charging infrastructure is as reliable as gas, the economy will continue to depend on traditional vehicles.

Jobs and Communities Depend on Traditional Vehicles

Millions of jobs are tied to the gas-powered auto industry. From auto mechanics and parts suppliers to refineries and trucking companies, entire communities depend on this ecosystem. Jack DeBrabander stresses that a rapid, forced transition to electric vehicles could eliminate countless jobs almost overnight.

He points to small auto shops as an example. These businesses have built their expertise around engines, transmissions, and fuel systems. If the world tried to flip the switch too quickly, many of these businesses would close, leaving people without work. Gas cars provide stability and continuity that the economy needs.

Affordability Still Matters Most

Electric cars are often presented as the environmentally friendly choice, but affordability is still the deciding factor for most families. Even with government incentives, the average cost of a new electric vehicle remains out of reach for many households.

Jack DeBrabander notes that gas cars, especially in the used market, make mobility possible for working families, students, and first-time buyers. “We can’t talk about economic growth,” he explains, “without recognizing that affordable transportation keeps people moving.” In a time when inflation and high living costs weigh on many households, gas cars continue to be the practical option.

Consumer Choice Cannot Be Ignored

Markets work best when people have genuine choice. Many drivers still prefer gas-powered vehicles for their range, reliability, and performance. Jack DeBrabander warns against pushing one technology forward at the expense of another. Mandates or heavy subsidies that tilt the playing field too early can create frustration among consumers and instability in the market.

He argues that the automotive industry should evolve naturally, allowing consumers to adopt electric vehicles when the price, infrastructure, and performance make sense for them. In the meantime, gas cars continue to meet the needs of millions of drivers every day.

A Balanced Future

Electric vehicles will likely play an important role in the future, but gas-powered cars remain vital in the present. Jack DeBrabander believes the smartest path forward is a balanced approach that allows both technologies to develop side by side. This way, consumers keep their options, jobs are protected, and the economy avoids unnecessary shocks.

Instead of phasing out gas cars prematurely, policymakers and automakers should recognize their ongoing importance. By focusing on balance, the industry can create progress without sacrificing affordability and stability.

Conclusion

The debate over gas versus electric often gets framed as a simple choice between old and new, but the reality is more complex. Gas cars are deeply tied to the economy, from the jobs they support to the mobility they provide.

For Jack DeBrabander, the lesson is clear: change will come, but it must come at a pace that works for consumers, workers, and communities. Gas-powered vehicles remain central to daily life, and acknowledging that truth is the first step to building a stronger and more balanced future for transportation.