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Difference Between Electric Motors vs Internal Combustion Engines in Cars

Difference Between Electric Motors vs Internal Combustion Engines in Cars

Engines and motors power the vehicles we rely on, but they work in completely different ways. There are two types of engines: internal combustion engines and electric motors. An internal combustion engine burns fuel such as petrol or diesel inside the engine to produce energy. This energy then turns the car's wheels.

On the other hand, the electric motor runs on electricity from batteries. It consumes no fuel and is noiseless. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each. Understanding them helps one determine which car to buy, depending on its intended use.

Table of Contents

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What is an Internal Combustion Engine?

An internal combustion engine generates motive power by burning petrol, oil, or other fuel with air inside the engine. The combustion in such a small space occurs inside a cylinder, forming hot gases that are used to shift the pistons in the engine. 

These pistons work towards turning the wheels of the car. ICE engines are commonly found in most vehicles. They are sturdy and can travel long distances, but emit harmful gases into the atmosphere. Over time, ICEs have proven very efficient but rely on fossil fuels.

What is an Electric Motor Engine?

An electric motor is more environmentally friendly than an internal combustion engine. It works by generating magnetic fields and converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. They have fewer moving parts, need less maintenance, and have a longer lifespan.

Although they rely on rechargeable batteries, electric motors do not emit any emissions when in operation. This means they have cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint. This makes them much better substitutes than traditional ones. 

Key Differences Between Internal Combustion Engine & Electric Motor

Both Internal Combustion Engine and electric motors perform the same function, i.e., powering cars, but in completely different manners. Here is a closer comparison:

Aspect Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Electric Motor
Energy Source ICE engines utilise petrol or diesel, non-renewable fossil fuels, as fuel; after combustion, they produce energy.  These electric motors run on electricity, which is stored in rechargeable batteries. The electricity which comes from storage comes mostly from renewable sources.
Efficiency ICE engines are inefficient. Only about 20-30% of the energy from fuel is converted into useful power. All else is dissipated as heat, so engines need to be cooled to prevent overheating. Electric motors are much more efficient. It converts 80-90% of electrical energy into usable mechanical energy. The efficiency is due to the motor's more straightforward design.
Environmental Impact ICE engines emit harmful pollutants. Some pollutants are carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to air pollution, climate change, and various health issues. Electric motors do not have any tailpipe emissions. While the fabrication of electricity and batteries has environmental impacts, the operational phases associated with electric motors are far cleaner than those associated with internal combustion engines (ICE).
Noise ICE engines are noisy because combustion occurs within them. Noise pollution can be particularly severe in towns. Nearly inaudible. Most of the sound would come from the tyres or wind resistance at high speeds. Thus, quiet operation contributes to reduced noise pollution.
Maintenance ICE engines require routine maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and repairs to complex components such as the transmission and exhaust systems. Electric motors are simpler in design and have fewer moving parts. They tend to break less, don't require oil changes, and there's no exhaust system to service.
Range ICE automobiles have a much wider cruising range with an energy density thousands of times higher than gasoline or diesel fuel. A full tank still has enough power to bring hundreds of miles; refuelling is readily available and fast. The range of their batteries confines the electric vehicles' range. Its range varies, but most electric cars have a lower range than ICE vehicles. Moreover, charging stations are less abundant than refuelling stations, and charging takes much longer.

Performance Comparison of Electric Motors vs ICE Engine Cars

The performance characteristics of both differ fundamentally.  The following are some of the most pertinent factors influencing performance:

Parameter Electric Motors ICE Engines
Torque Electric motors have instant torque. That means maximum power as soon as you press the accelerator. That's a quick and smooth acceleration from a standstill. ICE engines take time to build torque as the revs build up. So, they tend to slow down acceleration at a standstill, particularly from a lower speed.
Speed Internal combustion engines are faster due to their design. They are capable of sustaining high power output for more extended periods. Electric motors aren't designed for extreme high-speed performance. But they're great for acceleration and efficiency, even at moderate speeds.
Weight ICE vehicles are lighter. However, it may have an unbalanced weight distribution due to the placement of the engine and fuel tank. That affects handling during sharp bends. Electric vehicles are generally heavier than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It’s because of the big batteries. Those batteries add a lot of weight. However, a lower centre of gravity balances it.

Comparing Efficiency of Electric Motors vs Internal Combustion Engines

The term efficiency refers to the amount of energy an engine or motor saves. The efficiency of ICE and Electric motors is as given below: 

Efficiency of Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs)

The efficiency of the internal combustion engine (ICE) is given below:

  • Internal combustion engines are not very efficient in saving energy. 
  • The fuel goes unburnt by 70-80%, resulting in a saving of only 20-30% for vehicle movement. 
  • Energy is further consumed by friction in moving parts. 
  • In other systems, it is used for cooling and exhaust. 
  • Even with turbochargers, the energy obtained is not very energy efficient.

Efficiency of Electric Motors in Cars

Electric motors are significantly more efficient than internal combustion engines (ICES).  Here are the key points of its efficiency:

  • It converts 80-90% of the battery's energy directly into movement with little loss. 
  • They produce relatively less heat. 
  • They have very few moving parts, further reducing energy waste. 
  • Regenerative braking provides efficiency by reusing energy from motion. 
  • This makes electric motors a more efficient option for saving energy and reducing costs.

Longevity of Electric Motors vs Internal Combustion Engines

Internal combustion engines and electric motors vastly differ in many ways. Some of those differences are illustrated below:

Aspect ICE Engines Electric Motors
Design and Component Complexity ICE engines are full of moving parts. They nearly resemble pistons, valves, and crankshafts. These create tremendous friction and heat, leading to lower efficiency. Electric motors are much simpler in design. It has fewer moving parts and, hence, fewer mechanical failures and friction.
Maintenance Requirements ICE engines require maintenance. This includes oil changes, replacement of spark plugs, and cleaning of air filters. These measures are taken to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Electric motors require minimal maintenance, including occasional software updates and wiring checks.
Heat Generation and Damage High temperatures in ICE engines lead to wear and tear. They utilise advanced cooling systems, which optimise the engine's performance. The electric motors produce very minimal heat while in operation. This reduces heat damage, which in turn leads to increased life expectancy.
Longevity and Lifespan A well-maintained ICE engine typically lasts 150,000 to 200,000 miles. However, some last up to 250,000 if proper care is taken. Electric motors can have more than 300,000 miles and may even reach 500,000 miles or more. It is because their simplicity in design minimises mechanical wear.

Environmental Impact of ICEs vs Electric Motors in Cars

The environmental impact of a vehicle depends on the type of engine. Now, let’s break down both types of engines:

Aspect ICE Vehicles Electric Motors
Emission of Harmful Gases ICE vehicles emit a lot of pollutants. CO2, NOx, and particulate matter are among the primary factors contributing to air pollution. This poses a risk to all lives. EVs don't emit any tailpipe emissions. It also improves urban air quality and reduces the presence of harmful pollutants in the air.
Dependence on Energy Sources ICE vehicles run only on non-renewable fossil fuels. This is depleting resources and damaging the environment. They can be powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. So, it reduces their dependence on non-renewable resources and produces zero emissions.
Energy Efficiency and Utilisation These ICE vehicles are inefficient. It only uses 20-30% of the energy in fuel for movement and operation. EVs are much more efficient than ICE vehicles. It uses up to 90% of the battery's energy for propulsion. So, it conserves energy and reduces waste in its operation.

Comparing Cost of Ownership for ICEs vs Electric Motor Cars

The ownership and maintenance costs for ICE vehicles and electric vehicles differ. This is crucial because their technologies differ. Here are the key points to compare what drives ownership costs in each of these two options:

Aspect ICE Electric Motor
Purchase Price Lower Higher
Fuel/Electricity Cost Higher over time Lower over time
Maintenance Regular and costly Minimal and cheaper
Resale Value Lower as it ages Higher due to lower depreciation

Transitioning from ICE to Electric Motors

Switching from ICE vehicles to EVs is gaining quite impressive momentum in India. The government is promoting it with the FAME scheme. Under this scheme, the government provides subsidies of up to ₹1.5 lakh to those purchasing electric cars. Since there are no tailpipe emissions from an EV, it significantly reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Thus, in cities and elsewhere, there is marked improvement in the air itself. Electric vehicles in India might cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030. This estimate was provided by the International Council on Clean Transportation. The transition to electric mobility is necessary for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

User Adoption Challenges Between ICE and Electric Motor Cars

Many challenges exist for users who want to shift from ICE vehicles to EVs, and EVs have provided many advantages. However, some barriers still exist that do not allow people to accept them fully, like:

High Initial Cost

Electric vehicles are typically more expensive than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It is only because of the cost of their battery. Though the governments offer some incentives, many find them unaffordable compared to conventional cars.

Charging Infrastructure

The biggest challenge is the installation of charging stations. Even in rural areas, denser gas stations are still lacking. More and more charging points are coming up. Therefore, travelling a long distance may be challenging for electric vehicle users.

Range Anxiety

The fear of running out of charge before one finds a charging station. New electric vehicles can now range farther. Some buyers worry they'll be stuck without a nearby place to charge. Such anxiety deters some buyers.

Battery Life Expectancy and Maintenance

The electric car's battery is expected to last approximately 8-10 years. But it is rather costly to replace. Although EV maintenance is generally cheaper than that of an ICE car, replacing the batteries may be more costly.

Consumer ignorance of benefits

Most people do not understand why they should use EVs. The benefits include lower running costs, environmental advantages, and reduced maintenance. A lack of information may keep individuals from considering EVs

 

Choosing between ICE and electric motors marks a watershed point in the future of transportation. Although ICE engines have a long history, electric motors significantly outperform them in efficiency, environmental impact, and lifespan. 

Therefore, electric vehicles will become more widely available in the coming days. This trend requires embracing change to clean up the environment and adopt greener practices. It is also a more efficient transportation system worldwide.

FAQs about Electric Vehicle vs ICE Vehicle