When buying a vehicle, either for personal or commercial use, there are virtually endless options to choose from. From electric-powered vehicles to those with conventional internal combustion engines (ICE), there are limitless options, which also present us with an important decision to make — that of reducing our environmental footprint. With eco-consciousness being a hot topic, the question arises: Which vehicles are better – EVs or ICE vehicles? Let’s deep dive into the topic of electric and ICE vehicles and understand which ones are better.
How do Electric Vehicles and ICE Vehicles Function?
An electric vehicle (EV) runs fully or partially on electric power supplied by rechargeable batteries and an electric motor. This electric energy is converted into mechanical energy that pushes the vehicle forward. On the other hand, an ICE vehicle runs on a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. This engine receives energy from fuel like petrol, diesel, or CNG. The engine burns fuel to generate mechanical energy, which is then used to drive the vehicle forward.
Cost Comparison: Electric Vehicles vs. Internal Combustion Vehicles
Purchase Costs
Purchase cost is a major factor when buying any vehicle. Electric vehicles are generally more expensive due to the use of newer technology, while internal combustion vehicles are comparatively affordable. The latter are also available in different budget options.
Fuel Costs
With global demand for fuel reaching an all-time high, conventional fuels like petrol, diesel, and CNG have become extremely expensive. Internal combustion vehicles, then require costly fuel to keep them running. Electric vehicles, however, use electricity, which is generally more affordable than conventional fuel. In the long run, the costs to run an electric vehicle is less than that of ICE vehicles.
Maintenance Costs
ICE vehicles have complex internal combustion engines, which makes maintaining them a tedious task. Although repair costs are affordable, ICE vehicles may require more frequent maintenance, adding up to the costs eventually. Electric vehicles have fewer parts, which reduces maintenance costs. Replacing a battery could be pricier, but given it is used in optimum conditions, it would only be required once in 15 to 20 years.
Performance Comparison: Electric Vehicles vs. Fuel Vehicles
Speed and Acceleration
Electric vehicles have a significant upper hand when it comes to speed and acceleration. They are capable of swift acceleration from a standstill (zero RPM), due to instant torque. ICE vehicles take slightly longer to deliver the same response.
A seamless power delivery system also allows electric vehicles to reach top speeds within seconds. As ICE are dependent on gear shifting to increase their speed, the process takes more time than electric vehicles.
Noise Generation and Other Factors
ICE vehicles, owing to their internal combustion engines, can produce noticeable noise. On the other hand, electric vehicles are much quieter than their fuel counterparts, due to the absence of internal combustion engines.
ICE vehicles are more versatile than electric vehicles. They come in a range of options – with different engine specifications and fuel consumption options. Different options also mean they are available in flexible cost brackets, ranging from budget-friendly to more premium vehicles. Electric vehicles, at the moment, offer a limited range of vehicle specifications and are in a stiff cost bracket.
Infrastructure Comparison: Electric Vehicles vs. ICE Vehicles
Electric vehicles, being a developing technology, have limited infrastructure. Even though there are public charging stations as well as at-home charging stations abroad, the same infrastructure hasn’t developed well in India yet. On the other hand, gas stations and petrol pumps are commonplace globally, thus making ICE vehicles a more convenient option than their electric counterparts.
Charging stations for electric vehicles require a significant amount of capital and technological advancement to be executed properly. Conventional fuel stations are comparatively easier to build, maintain, and grow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
The advantages of electric vehicles are as follows:
- The biggest advantage of electric vehicles is that they are way more energy efficient than conventional ICE vehicles. As they use regenerative braking and other significant methods of energy consumption, they help utilise energy efficiently.
- As they rely on electric energy over fossil fuels, they are an environmentally friendly option. Electric energy is a greener alternative to traditional fossil fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG.
- Electric vehicles produce almost zero emissions. They are smoke-free and produce no polluting substances.
- Their maintenance costs are lower as they have fewer moving parts compared to ICE vehicles. Energy costs are also lower as electricity is cheaper than fuels like CNG and petrol.
The disadvantages of electric vehicles are as follows:
- Electric vehicles have a high purchase cost. Buying an electric vehicle is often more expensive than traditional ICE vehicles. They also don’t have flexible price ranges like those in conventional vehicles.
- It takes several hours for the EV batteries to charge completely. This can be a time-consuming process, especially for consumers who are looking for time efficiency.
- Even though EV batteries are only required to be replaced once in a few years, they can result in high costs to the owner.
- As the infrastructure for electric vehicles hasn’t developed in India, finding or installing charging stations can pose a problem.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ICE Vehicles
The advantages of ICE vehicles are as follows:
- The purchase cost of an ICE vehicle is considerably less than electric vehicles. They also cater to different budgets, making them a more convenient option.
- These vehicles have higher mileage and can also cover longer distances on a single tank of fuel compared to electric cars on a single full charge.
- The infrastructure for ICE vehicles is more developed in India (and globally) compared to that of electric vehicles.
- A well-maintained ICE vehicle may require only limited maintenance, and it is significantly more affordable than the maintenance cost of electric vehicles.
The disadvantages of ICE vehicles are as follows:
- ICE vehicles are notoriously known for their high emissions. They are responsible for releasing a significant amount of harmful global greenhouse emissions.
- Fossil fuels, compared to electricity, are becoming increasingly expensive. This makes them an inconvenient fuel option.
- Traditional ICE vehicles require frequent maintenance as they have more moving parts in comparison to electric vehicles. This is to ensure that clogging is prevented and the engine runs smoothly.
- They are less fuel-efficient compared to electric vehicles. As they convert only a small amount of fuel into energy, they also require more fuel eventually to keep running.
Summing Up
Both electric and ICE vehicles have their share of advantages and disadvantages. They are also better than their counterparts under different scenarios. Consumers must consider their budget options, emission levels, maintenance costs, and existing infrastructure before choosing between either of them. Analysing all the factors and taking into consideration the pros and cons of both electric and ICE vehicles will help in making an informed choice.
FAQs
Are Electric Vehicles a Better Option than ICE Vehicles?
Electric vehicles enjoy a fair share of advantages over conventional fuel-run vehicles. They don’t require much maintenance, have lower energy costs, and are eco-friendly options, thus having an edge over their fuel counterparts.
Can Electric Vehicles be a Success in India?
Although electric vehicles are in their nascent stage in India, it is expected that their market will exponentially grow in the coming years. The Indian EV market is forecasted to expand from US$ 3.21 billion in 2022 to US$ 113.99 billion by 2029, with a 66.52% CAGR, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).
Which Vehicles Reduce Pollution – Electric or Fuel?
Electric vehicles eliminate all toxic emissions from engines. They do not depend on fossil fuels for their energy needs and cut down on emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
