Before comparing both techs lets dive into the internal working of each of them:
Internal Combustion Engine:
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles power most gas and diesel cars and bikes today. They generate power by burning fuel (petrol or diesel) inside the engine. Fuel mixes with air and enters the combustion chamber in each cylinder. A spark plug ignites the mixture (in petrol engines), causing a mini explosion. This explosion pushes the piston down, creating mechanical energy. The piston’s movement turns the crankshaft, powering the drivetrain. The transmission system delivers this power to the wheels. Exhaust gases are expelled through the exhaust valve and system.
Electric Motor:
Electric vehicles (EVs) use electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. Power is supplied by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. When you press the accelerator, the controller sends power to the motor. This power creates a magnetic field inside the stator (stationary part). The magnetic field interacts with the rotor (rotating part), causing it to spin. This spinning motion turns the drivetrain, moving the vehicle forward. The process is smooth, silent, and highly efficient.
Comparision: ICE vs Electric motor:
Efficiency:
| Factor | Combustion Engine (ICE) | Electric Motor (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy conversion | 20-30% (Most energy lost as heat) | 85-90% (More efficient) |
| Regenerative Braking | No (Energy wasted as heat) | Yes (Recaptures energy) |
| Idling Efficiency | Poor (Burns fuel while idling) | Excellent (No energy waste) |
Winner: ⚡ Electric Motor
Performance:
| Factor | Combustion Engine | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | Good (Turbo lag in some models) | Instant torque (0 RPM max torque) |
| Top Speed | Higher (Supercars exceed 200+ mph) | Limited by battery & cooling (but improving) |
| Driving Feel | Engine noise, vibrations | Smooth, quiet operation |
Winner: 🚗 Depends (EVs win for quick acceleration, ICE for top speed)
Environmental Impact:
| Factor | Combustion Engine | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Emmisions | Co2,No2,particulates | Zero (while driving) |
| Battery production | N/A | High emissions (Lithium mining) |
| Energy Source | Depends on oil/gas | Depends on grid (Renewables vs. coal) |
Winner: 🌍 EVs long-term (if powered by clean energy)
Cost and Maintenance:
| Factor | Combustion Engine | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Cheaper( for now) | Higher(battery cost) |
| Fuel/Electricity cost | Expensive | Cheaper per mile |
| Maintenance | More parts (Oil changes, belts, exhaust) | Fewer moving parts (No oil, fewer breakdowns) |
Winner: 💰 EVs over time (lower running costs)
Range and Refueling:
| Factor | Combustion Engine | Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 300-500+ miles (Easy refuel) | 200-400+ miles (Improving) |
| Refueling time | 5 mins (Gas stations everywhere) | 30+ mins (Fast charging) |
| Infrastructure | Well-established | Growing (But charging deserts exist) |
Winner: ⛽ Combustion for long trips (for now)
Final Verdict :
Choose ICE if: You need long-range, fast refueling, or love engine sounds.
Choose EV if: You want lower costs, efficiency, and eco-friendliness (where infrastructure exists).