The automotive industry is witnessing a shift towards electric vehicles as an alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. With concerns about climate change, pollution and the sustainability of fossil fuels, more drivers are beginning to evaluate their options, comparing EVs to traditional, fuel-powered cars.
To do this, knowing more about how EVs and vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) differ is essential. Below, we’ll analyse various aspects of electric, petrol and diesel cars — including environmental impact, costs and driving experience — to help determine whether electric cars are better than gas and diesel cars.
How are electric cars different to petrol and diesel cars?
Key differences between electric cars and traditional cars
Electric and traditional cars operate differently, with the main difference being how these vehicles are fuelled. Below, we’ll explore other key differences between fuel-powered and electric vehicles to help you consider your options:
| Key Differences | Petrol & Diesel Cars | Electric Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions | Produce emissions contributing to pollution | Powered by electricity, do not have a tailpipe so cannot produce emissions |
| Weight | Lighter, may feel faster | Heavier, more controlled drive |
| Speed | Reach high speeds more quickly — faster | Torque produced by EV turns the wheels more quickly |
| Cost | Fuel prices increasing, costs more to fuel a traditionally powered car | Save almost half of what you’d spend on fuel with an electric car |
| Driving experience | ICE vehicles can cause noise pollution | EVs drive smoothly due to lower centre of gravity |
Emissions: ICE vs. Battery power
EVs are powered by a battery within the vehicle that can be charged externally. Because they are powered by electricity, they do not produce tailpipe emissions. Plug-in and hybrid vehicles will produce some emissions, but not as much as cars with an internal combustion engine.
The overall reduction in emissions drives sales of electric vehicles, as more drivers consider their carbon footprint and the harmful effects of emissions on the environment.
A study carried out into the difference in emissions between ICE and battery-powered vehicles found that electric cars save between 2-3 tonnes of CO2 produced by fuel-powered counterparts each year.
Weight: Feel in control on the road with an EV
Electric vehicles are heavier than those with fuel-powered engines. This is because of the large internal battery pack. Whilst electric vehicles are said to weigh around 20-30% more than ICE vehicles, you won’t feel much of a difference on the road.
When driving an electric vehicle, you might find that you feel more in control due to the lower centre of gravity. This results in a safer and more stable driving experience.
Speed: Travel more quickly with an EV
A common question amongst drivers: are electric cars faster than normal cars? When it comes to cars, quick and fast have different meanings. Electric cars are quicker than cars with internal combustion engines. This refers to the time it takes to get from one place to another. This is due to the torque created by the battery, as well as the battery and motor turning the wheels more quickly for faster acceleration.
For example, the maximum torque of the BYD Dolphin is 228 lb-ft. By comparison, the Renault Clio, a 5-seater hatchback similar to the Dolphin with an internal combustion engine, has a torque of approximately 118 lb-ft.
Torque is measured in pound-foot. The greater the torque measurement, the more energy an engine or motor car produces.
Electric cars are not as fast as ICE cars. ‘Fast’ refers to the time it takes to hit a certain speed over a specific time — for example, 0-60mph in X seconds. Whilst electric vehicles may not be able to hit top speeds similar to high-performing ICE vehicles, they can provide fast acceleration for a smooth, quiet drive.
BYD electric vehicles can provide drivers with powerful acceleration on the roads similar to ICE cars. For example, BYD ATTO 3 can reach 62mph in 7.3 seconds, with the BYD Seal reaching speeds of 62mph in as little as 3.8 seconds — proving they can accelerate faster than other cars on the road.
Cost: Save money on fuel with an EV
As the main difference between electric and ICE vehicles, weighing up the cost of both is essential. With the cost of living increasing — including the cost of fuel — drivers are finding it more expensive to fill up their tanks when needed. A solution to this could be to switch to an EV.
Regardless of how far you drive, petrol cars typically cost 2X as much to fuel as electric cars . Looking at this per mile, an EV is likely to cost around 9p per mile, with an ICE vehicle costing approximately 18p. If you drive long distances, making the switch to a hybrid or an electric car will save you approximately half of what you spend on fuel per mile. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging costs.
Driving smoothly on every journey with an EV
Driving experience differs between EVs and ICE vehicles. Along with a low centre of gravity, electric cars provide a more comfortable journey for both drivers and passengers than you might find with a traditional fuel-powered car. A battery-powered EV is noticeably quieter than a car with an internal combustion engine, reducing noise pollution and making for a more ambient experience.An electric car works differently from traditional, fuel-powered cars. There are a few aspects to consider when discovering how they work:
Type of electric car
The type of EV may affect the way the car works. For example:
●BEVs (battery electric vehicles) are purely powered by electricity. They don’t have a tailpipe and therefore don’t produce emissions.
●PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) have an internal battery and an internal combustion engine. The battery is charged by plugging in the vehicle. The cars can travel a short distance using electricity only before the ICE engine kicks in.
●HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) are mostly powered by petrol or diesel engines and generate electricity through regenerative braking — but drivers will only be able to use this for short journeys.
Electric car batteries
Internally, electric vehicles store electricity in a rechargeable battery which powers the electric motor — this turns the wheels of the car for faster acceleration.
One of the key differences in the way that petrol and diesel cars work compared to electric vehicles is the presence of an internal combustion engine.
Whilst drivers will refuel with petrol or diesel depending on their vehicle, knowing what takes place under the bonnet is not as clear. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main components of petrol and diesel cars:
When it comes to deciding whether electric cars are better than petrol and diesel cars, the answer depends on your preferences. Some people may prefer EVs because they’re better for the environment, whereas others may argue that ICE cars are better because they can achieve higher speeds.
When weighing up petrol and diesel vs electric cars, think about your needs. If you only use your car to make regular, short trips, switching to an electric car could be beneficial. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, or you’re hoping to save money in the long run on fuel, exploring your EV options could be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are worried about a lack of infrastructure or prefer a more dynamic, powerful driving experience, ICE cars may be your preferred option.
BYD is paving the way when it comes to electric vehicles with top-of-the-line technology including the industry-leading Blade Battery, e-Platform 3.0 and enhancing driver safety. Explore our electric cars to find an EV like no other to suit your needs. Find out more about EVs with our electric vehicle guides.