Electric cars and ICE vehicles have noticeable differences in their performances, costs, and maintenance needs. EV manufacturers have used unique technologies to make the cars eco-friendly. Most EVs have a streamlined architecture and fewer components. However, there are also some similarities between these vehicles.
ICE vehicles and EVs for electrifying everything
Engineers associated with the transportation and equipment industries face challenges while electrifying everything. Diesel-powered equipment makers want to reduce the engine noise that disturb passengers in the cabin. EVs are free from this noise, as they depend on battery. However, acoustic insulation is essential for electric cars because of the pronounced road noise.
So, vehicle designers who are facing challenges need custom solutions to OEMs in the transportation industry. EV car companies also work with rubber product manufacturers for applications like EV battery boxes.
Comparing the motors- EVs versus ICEs
Both electric cars and ICE vehicles depend on electric motors that provide motive power. However, in terms of size, ICE motors are smaller. The similarity is that both have 2 components-
- A stator
- A rotor
In traditional cars, the stator hits the rotor through the commutator and brushes. The battery has a chemical reaction to produce DC and the magnetic field to turn the rotor. The engine has an effect of rotation and activates motion.
The stator in the electric cars does not contact the rotor. The DC current generated by the battery converts into AC that develops a magnetic field to help the rotor spin easily. So, electromagnetic fields are common to both the types of vehicles. However, EVs create longer-lasting and stronger fields. Electric car engineers use EMI gaskets for insulating and sealing the housings. The sensitive electronic parts will remain safe.
Energy density and chemical energy
Both the electric car and the ICE car allow chemical energy conversion to generate motion. For the ICE, the chemical energy is sourced from the diesel or other fuels. But, in case of the EVs, rechargeable batteries produce chemical energy. As diesel and gasoline are lightweight but generate high power, their energy density is comparatively higher. On the contrary, the heavyweight EV batteries produce low-energy output. That is why the energy density will also be low for electric cars. It is one of the potential issues with buses and big trucks, which need more energy to transport a load.
Still, an advantageous fact about EVs is that they have lightweight components. Traditional cars have EPDM rubber door seals. But, electric vehicles come with Thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomers that have less weight. Premium-quality TPVs are also resistant to oil and heat. However, some ICE vehicles also have these elastomers.
Electric vehicles and traditional ICEs- Some more facts about these facts
EVs need less maintenance
Conventional vehicles need more maintenance than EVs. The battery and other electronics in EVs retain their functionalities with only minimal maintenance. With a little amount of engine fluid, you can maintain them. Moreover, as there is a regenerative brake, the deterioration rate is low.
Electric vehicles need minimal internal fluids because they depend on battery power. You do not need to replace the oil regularly. You will also save money on the repair costs.
Thus, battery-operated electric vehicles have a comparatively low maintenance cost. However, for ICE vehicles, you need to maintain-
- Spark plugs
- Transmission
- Oxygen sensor
- Fuel filter
- Timing belt
ICE vehicles need oil services at least 2 to 3 times every year, and it makes the maintenance cost higher. If you need to buy oil for an ultra-powerful engine, it will be costlier.
EV batteries can withstand the vehicle’s lifetime
You might have heard that iPhones’ Li-ion batteries last only 2 years or 500 charging cycles. This fact makes many people believe that the EV’s batteries have the same deterioration rate.
However, batteries in electric vehicles degrade at a comparatively slow rate due to the larger size. They are also designed to last for several years.
Electric cars depreciate faster compared to traditional cars
Depreciation rate is higher in case of EVS. If you lease EV, the amount to be paid will be based on the approximate depreciation rate. Battery replacement costs and heavy incentives lead to higher depreciation. Most electric vehicles depreciate at the rate of 49.1% in 5 years. It is a demerit of owning an electric car. However, the depreciation rate varies depending on the EV brand you have chosen. For instance, the depreciation rate for Audi A6 is not the same as the BMW 3 Series.
Difference in vehicle maintenance- ICE versus electric cars
EVs have a simple powertrain and a battery pack. So, you need to monitor their battery health and the latest software updates. Some components in your EVs need occasional replacements. On the contrary, traditional ICE cars need regular maintenance to make the complex engines long-lasting. Replace the spark plug and oil to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
EVs have better rotors and brake pads due to regenerative braking. You have to check the brake fluids and replace the pads occasionally. But, brake components in ICE vehicles deteriorate faster need frequent replacements.
Air filters in EV’s cabin need minimal maintenance. On the contrary, air filters in the standard ICE cars need upkeep regularly for fuel efficiency and optimal performance.
Both vehicles have cooling systems, and the coolant level needs a regular check. Proper coolant levels ensure the right performance of electronics and batteries. In ICE vehicles, you should also replace thermostats.
Electric cars have no complicated transmission systems. But, you need to replace the transmission fluid after a couple of years. ICE cars need regular transmission fluid maintenance and potential repairs of the system.
Conclusion
You have now learned how electric cars and ICE vehicles differ from each other. Vehicle engineers focus on every detail while designing the cars. ICE car owners must know about EVs before replacing their vehicles with the electric models.
