Differences between electric vehicles & cars with combustion engines

The shift in the automotive industry from combustion engines to electric vehicles is not only a technological change, but also a cultural and social revolution. As e-mobility experts with years of experience in the planning, implementation and technical operation of charging infrastructure solutions for companies, we will explain the key differences between these drive and vehicle classes in this blog post.

1. Drive Technologies

Internal combustion engines use fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel to release energy. These engines consist of numerous moving parts such as pistons, spark plugs and valves that work together in a complex interplay to propel the vehicle.

The basic function is based on the principle of burning fuel in an engine, which generates mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used to move the wheels of the vehicle. The technology is sophisticated, but also complex and maintenance-intensive.

In contrast , electric vehicles use electric motors that are powered by electrical energy from a battery installed in the vehicle. These vehicles do not require combustion and therefore dispense with many mechanical components that are necessary in vehicles with a combustion engine.

An electric motor has fewer moving parts and can convert energy into motion more efficiently. By using electric motors, EVs achieve a much smoother ride with less vibration. This simplicity also leads to greater reliability and less technical effort for maintenance and repairs.

2. Energy Efficiency

Internal combustion engines are inherently less efficient, as much of the energy from the fuel burned is lost in the form of heat dissipation. The typical efficiency of internal combustion engines is around 20-30% - this means that only a fraction of the energy content of the fuel is actually converted into usable driving power.

This high proportion of energy loss not only requires a greater amount of fuel, but also contributes to higher emissions and operating costs.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are considerably more energy efficient. The efficiency of an electric motor is an impressive 85-90% - the majority of the electrical energy used is converted directly into drive power. The increase in efficiency is not only reflected in lower energy consumption, but also in the reduction of heat losses and mechanical friction losses.

This higher efficiency is a key factor that makes e-vehicles both ecologically and economically more attractive.

3. Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of combustion engines is considerable: combustion engines emit climate-damaging CO2 and a variety of other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. These pollutant emissions not only contribute significantly to climate change, but also cause considerable health problems.

The use of fossil fuels is associated with environmental pollution through their extraction, transportation and processing. The long-term ecological costs of these emissions are enormous and are increasingly the subject of global environmental policy and regulation.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are locally emission-free - they do not emit any exhaust gases while driving. Although the overall environmental balance depends on the type of underlying electricity generation, even when considering an electricity mix that includes fossil fuels, electric vehicles have a significantly lower emissions profile.

The increasing use of renewable energies in electricity production can further improve this balance. Electric vehicles therefore make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution and noise in urban areas, which improves the quality of life and promotes sustainable development.

4. Maintenance & Operating Costs

The operation of cars with combustion engines requires regular maintenance work such as oil changes, spark plug and air filter changes as well as emissions tests to ensure the proper functioning and efficiency of the engine.

This maintenance work is not only time-consuming, but also cost-intensive. In addition, high mechanical wear and tear and potential technical defects lead to increased repair costs and potentially longer vehicle downtimes.

In contrast, electric vehicles have lower maintenance requirements, as they have significantly fewer moving parts and no combustion processes, eliminating many of the typical maintenance tasks required for cars with combustion engines.

There is no need for oil changes, spark plugs or emissions tests on electric vehicles, and wearing parts such as brakes often last much longer due to the regenerative braking functions.

These lower maintenance requirements result in lower operating costs and more efficient operation, which is a great advantage for both private individuals and companies with e-fleets.

5 Fuel versus Charging Infrastructure

The fuel infrastructure for combustion engines is well developed worldwide. Filling stations can be found on practically every corner and filling station networks have grown and been refined over many decades.

This extensive infrastructure means that people who drive combustion engines rarely have to worry about the availability of fuel. Refueling is also quick and usually only takes a few minutes.

Compared to filling stations, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is still being developed and varies greatly from region to region. However, the number of public charging stations is steadily increasing and many countries are investing in and promoting the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Companies and households can invest in private charging facilities, which is particularly useful in the context of e-fleet solutions. Although charging an e-vehicle is often more time-consuming than refuelling a combustion engine, this process is constantly being optimized thanks to intelligent charging systems, fast charging technologies and powerful fast charging stations.

The integration of charging solutions in real estate projects and charging infrastructure for work environments can significantly improve both availability and usability.

6 Range & Charging Times

Combustion engines generally offer an impressive range of 600 to 800 kilometers on a full tank of fuel. Refueling itself only takes a few minutes, making long journeys possible without major interruptions.

These characteristics make combustion engines particularly attractive for longer journeys and commuters. The quick refueling and long range are key advantages that have so far deterred many people from switching to electric vehicles.

The range of electric vehicles varies greatly depending on the model, but is now on average between 150 and 500 kilometers. While high-end models and those with larger batteries can cover longer distances, less expensive electric vehicles often have a shorter range.

Charging the battery can take between 20-30 minutes (at DC fast charging stations) and several hours (at AC wallboxes), depending on the technology used and the available charging infrastructure. However, the development of fast-charging technologies and the increasing availability of high-performance charging stations are helping to reduce these charging times and increase the range.

7 Driving Behavior & Driving Experience

The driving behavior of cars with combustion engines is familiar to many drivers and offers a characteristic driving experience that is characterized by the engine sound and vibrations. Some drivers appreciate the traditional driving feel and feedback that comes from a combustion engine.

This tactile, haptic and acoustic feedback contributes to the emotionality of driving, which has a certain appeal for lovers of sporty or classic cars.

Electric vehicles offer a different, often more enjoyable driving experience. Electric motors deliver instant torque, making acceleration faster and smoother. This direct characteristic makes for a smooth and low-vibration ride.

The absence of an engine sound and the quiet operating noise contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable ride. For many riders, especially in urban environments, this represents considerable added value. The smooth power delivery also makes EVs comfortable and efficient in stop-and-go traffic.

8. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The acquisition costs for combustion engines are currently still lower than those for comparable electric vehicles. However, higher operating costs resulting from more expensive maintenance work, more frequent fuel requirements and possible repairs offset these initial costs over time. In addition, stricter environmental legislation, which is now more stringent in many countries, often contributes to additional costs due to pollution charges or environmental zone regulations.

Although electric vehicles have higher acquisition costs, these are mitigated by government subsidies and support programs. Lower operating costs, resulting from reduced maintenance and lower energy costs, as well as possible tax breaks and savings from the elimination of emissions tests can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifetime of the vehicle.

In the long term, an EV can therefore be the better choice not only ecologically, but also economically. Companies that convert their fleets to electric vehicles can save considerable costs and achieve their sustainability goals at the same time. Logistics & transportation companies in particular benefit from the advantages of electric commercial vehicle fleets.

Conclusion: electric vehicles as long-term winners

The switch from combustion engines to electric vehicles is a significant change that offers far-reaching benefits in terms of environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and operating costs.

Companies should carefully consider these differences and make an informed decision, especially when it comes to converting or expanding traditional company fleets or purchasing heavy-duty commercial vehicles including charging infrastructure for transportation & logistics.

If you would like to find out more about the planning, implementation and technical operation of charging infrastructure solutions for your company, please do not hesitate to contact us - SMATRICS is at your side as a competent and reliable partner on the road to sustainable mobility.