Considering the pros and cons, how do EVs measure up to internal combustion engines?

Are you considering an EV – Electric Vehicle? There are some advantages. There are some disadvantages, too. Weighing the pros and cons of EVs vs. internal combustion engines can probably start with comparing the weight of the vehicles.

When it comes to weight, heavier vehicles were trending before EVs seriously hit the scene. According to the Website AXIOS, “The average weight of U.S. vehicles has already increased from 3,400 pounds to 4,300 pounds over the last 30 years as Americans have ditched passenger cars for pickups and SUVs.

The same Web page also gave a comparison between a 2023 GMC Hummer EV and a 2023 GMS Sierra. According to Kelly Blue Book, the later weighs in at less than 6,000 pounds. The prior tops the scales at more than 9,000 pounds with 2,900 of those pounds taken up by the battery.

That extra weight translates to more wear-and-tear on the roads. At the same time, since drivers generally contribute to road construction with fuel taxes, EVs are somewhat non-contributing users.

Still, it’s nice to avoid the high cost of gasoline. But, relying on electricity to drive your vehicle has a couple of drawbacks, too.

For one thing, while EVs don’t have the exhaust fumes of internal combustion engines, the electricity used to recharge those massive batteries has to come from somewhere. That ‘somewhere’ refers to electric plants or generators. While some of the electricity comes from solar and wind alternatives, we still rely heavily on coal for electricity to recharge EV batteries.

It's also a disadvantage that it takes longer to recharge a battery than to refuel a gasoline-powered vehicle. 

A typical overnight charge of an EV takes about two hours. Stopping to recharge during a trip is likely to take 30 minutes or more. And EVs have a shorter range before they need to be recharged; on a significant trip, you may need to recharge the vehicle more than once.

Another problem with EVs is finding a place to recharge the battery. While there are gasoline stations all across America, EV charging stations are dramatically less common. And the savings of recharging the battery compared to refilling the gas tank is often offset by higher purchase prices for EVs. 

Another difference is in maintenance costs. The electric motors driving an EV has fewer maintenance requirements than an internal combustion engine. But not that much.

Most gasoline-powered engines require little more than oil changes in 100,000 miles of driving. EVs don’t need their oil changed but EVs still have most of the components found in other vehicles. For instance, an EV still has brakes, steering and suspension components, tires, lighting and other parts found on internal combustion vehicles. 

Those parts require maintenance and repair at least as frequently.