At my recent stop to fill up the family car, I heard Dan’s familiar voice call from a couple lanes over, “Getting some of that Biden Gas?” I gave it a halfhearted wave acknowledging his clever little quip. I have heard from others and on the internet, many references to Biden gas. I had to wonder, is that fair, why not George Bush gas, Clinton gas, or during the pandemic China gas. I think this deserves a Side Eye look!
Since Dan brought it up, I decided it was fair if I use him as my test subject. I first met Dan 35 years ago. He was driving his pride and joy, A manly Ford Bronco, which he bought new in 1993 and drove for decades after. At the station he was sporting his 2023 hybrid Ford Escape. Dan has always been and will always be a Ford guy, “American Made, Ford Tough”.
(Did your car make the top 100 list for made in America?) The Most American-Made Cars According To Cars.com (carpro.com)
I understand gas prices are not just a problem in the US but a problem globally. As a world commodity it fluctuates to the world market of supply and demand.
For a good example of what moves fuel costs up or down, start with the pandemic, which caused a worldwide shutdown. Forcing 2020 gas prices down to adjust to the high reserves and lower demand. Then transitioning to a post pandemic economy when supply chains were slow to catch up with the increasing demand of manufacturing and travel. Throw in a war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russian oil exports, Israel and Gaza conflict, uncertainty in the markets of a possible global conflict, global inflation, and you see gas prices moving up disproportionately. Finally topping out at a high mark earlier this year.
With that said, let’s look at gas prices in the US. Starting with the most current full year, 2023, then going back in five-year increments to 1993. The year that Dan bought his Bronco.
Gas is included in the total inflation number, but as a single commodity, (as with all commodities), has its individual inflation rate. Most inflation adjustment charts show gas, for “Fuels – all types”, as one item.[1] I was able to find one reflecting just unleaded fuel.[2] Both sites listed have user-friendly calculators.
As you can see, gas prices when adjusted for inflation show little fluctuation year to year. The reality is that Dan is not paying a significant difference per gallon now than when he first bought his Bronco or the decades that followed. So why is it just now Biden Gas? Maybe I need to take a closer look. Maybe what I need to look at is not the cost per gallon but the cost per mile. I may be on to something!
I compared the Broncos MPG [3] with the inflation adjusted gas price for 1993 vs Dans new hybrid Escape MPG [4] with the inflation adjusted price for 2023. For those of you who have not made the move to EV or Hybrid like me, I added my personal car of choice 2022 VW Atlas into the mix. If you’re not familiar with an Atlas, it’s a gas powered, 8 passenger, van/suv.
Summary: When I compared the annual fuel cost of the 93 Bronco vs the 23 Escape, Dan is way ahead. From 1993 to 2023, Dan is actually seeing an annual fuel expense reduction of 69% or just over $2,800. Even the gas Atlas achieves a 41% reduction or just over $1,600 annually. This reinforces the importance of government regulated fuel economy standards. [5] Unless it helps their bottom line, the auto industry will only move to improve efficiency if mandated.
So next time someone asks you, “Getting Some Biden Gas”, smile and proudly say “Yes I am”
FYI – China set a milestone with their aggressive transition to Electric Vehicles and Trucks converting to LNG. The EV and LNG numbers they have achieved are now moving the needle for fuel demands. [6] Less demand lowers the fuel price. This should be a model we work and improve on, not to reject with catchy solans pushing more fossil fuels.
1 Gasoline Prices Adjusted for Inflation | US Inflation Calculator
2 Gas price inflation, 1935→2024 (in2013dollars.com)
3 1993 Ford Bronco Specs, Features & Options | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
4 2023 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Price, Reviews, Pictures & More | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
6 APPEC-Transition to cleaner fuels seen dragging on China’s oil demand growth | Reuters
3 thoughts on “Biden Gas”
You have built a solid discussion of the importance of focusing on fuel efficiency rather than the price per gallon of gas. Another aspect of EV is the impact on the environment. The Union of Concerned Scientists (CaseyChin/Earth Justice) calculated the EV produces about half the greenhouse gas emissions as a gasoline or diesel engine, which can contribute to climate solutions.
There are also some downsides to electric vehicles that rely on lithium-ion battery packs. In his article, “Green Cars,” Dave Nichols identifies the high expense of replacing or repairing various components of electric vehicles such as the battery packs, electric motors, etc. He states that battery packs may be made of toxic and flammable materials. So, the issue of mining the materials and the disposal of the potentially toxic components could be a problem.
Although EV seem to be the better option, there are some downsides people need to be aware of when purchasing a EV.
Thoughts?
Earth Justice/Clean Energy Program, “Are Electric Vehicles Really Better for the Environment? Yes,” January 17, 2024 Accessed September 22, 2024.
Nichols, D. 2023, “The Downside of Electric Cars.” Green Cars, Accessed September 22, 2024.
Thank you for your Comments, yes current EV batteries have their limitations. By just improving gas vehicle milage standards, that alone bends the curve. The technology in the pipeline for better batteries will be a game changer. Form solid state, salt, and improved lithium storage. In the lab, some are claiming 800 mile per charge and 15 min charge time. We can achieve this with the support of private industry and the government.
Great article with unique and relevant arguments!
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