Electric vs. Combustion Cars: A Comprehensive Comparison

Switching from a petrol car to an electric vehicle isn't just about changing what powers your wheels — it's about adopting a completely different way of driving, maintaining, and thinking about mobility. Yet many drivers still wonder how these two technologies truly compare.

Power and Efficiency: Energy That Moves You Further

At the heart of every vehicle lies its power source — and here, electric and combustion engines couldn't be more different.

An internal combustion engine (ICE) burns fuel to produce energy, but much of it is lost as heat and friction. On average, only 25–30% of the energy from petrol actually moves the car forward. The rest escapes through exhaust and mechanical losses.

An electric vehicle (EV), on the other hand, converts up to 90–95% of the energy stored in its battery into motion. Because electric motors deliver torque instantly and have fewer moving parts, energy waste is minimal, and performance is smooth and silent.

The result: EVs aren't just cleaner — they're more efficient by design, delivering more kilometers per unit of energy.

This efficiency advantage means lower operating costs, fewer emissions per kilometer, and a driving experience that feels more direct and powerful.

Running Costs: The Wallet Test

The difference in energy efficiency translates directly into savings at the plug.

On average, charging an EV at home costs the equivalent of €3–6 per 100 km, depending on local electricity rates. In comparison, driving the same distance in a petrol car can cost €10–12 — roughly double or more.

Even when using public fast chargers, EVs remain cheaper to operate over time, especially as networks become smarter and adopt dynamic pricing based on off-peak electricity demand.

Every 10,000 km driven electrically instead of with fuel can save hundreds of euros — and cut emissions dramatically.

And as renewable energy becomes more widespread, the carbon footprint of every kilometer driven continues to shrink.

Maintenance: Simplicity Wins

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing. There's no oil to change, no clutch or gearbox to maintain, and no exhaust system to replace.

In fact, EV maintenance costs are estimated to be 20–40% lower than those of combustion vehicles. Brakes also last longer thanks to regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the car and recover energy.

In contrast, combustion engines depend on dozens of components — from filters and spark plugs to belts and fluids — each with its own maintenance cycle and replacement cost.

EVs don't just save money at the plug — they save time and stress at the workshop, too.

Emissions and Environmental Impact

Perhaps the biggest reason to go electric lies in the environmental benefits.

Even when accounting for electricity generation and battery production, EVs produce 73–78% fewer CO₂ emissions over their lifetime compared to combustion cars.

That's because the emissions associated with EV production are offset over time by the absence of tailpipe emissions and the increasing share of renewable electricity in national grids.

Additionally, the battery supply chain is evolving rapidly:

• Recycling technologies now recover up to 95% of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
• Second-life applications reuse old EV batteries for energy storage, extending their utility for years beyond vehicle use.

Range and Charging: Overcoming Early Myths

Range anxiety was once a legitimate concern. But today's EVs are capable of 300–500 km per charge, comfortably covering most daily needs.

Charging infrastructure has also grown significantly.

• Home charging allows drivers to start every day with a "full tank."
• Fast charging hubs can now replenish 80% of battery capacity in under 20 minutes.
• Destination charging at supermarkets, offices, and hotels ensures convenience on the go.

As for battery longevity, most modern EV batteries retain 80–90% capacity after 8–10 years of use — and are covered by manufacturer warranties for that duration.

The Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, Instant Power

Beyond efficiency and cost, EVs offer a fundamentally different driving experience.

Electric motors deliver instant torque, allowing for smooth acceleration without gear shifts or lag. The absence of engine noise transforms urban driving, while lower vibration reduces fatigue on long trips.

In urban areas, EVs also help create cleaner, quieter cities, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution — benefits that go far beyond the individual driver.

The Bottom Line: The Future Is Electric

When comparing electric and combustion cars, one conclusion is clear: EVs are winning on nearly every front.

The transition to electric mobility isn't just an environmental choice — it's an economic and technological evolution that's already underway.

As charging networks like Volta expand, powered by 100% renewable energy and designed for smart, seamless access, the future of mobility is not only electric — it's here.

Key Takeaway

Electric vehicles have moved beyond being an alternative — they've become the benchmark for modern mobility. With lower costs, fewer emissions, and a better driving experience, the comparison between EVs and combustion cars is no longer a debate — it's a timeline.

The only question left is: how soon will you make the switch?