You want a reliable car, right? With electric vehicles on the rise, you might be wondering if they're a real contender in terms of longevity. How do they compare to traditional internal combustion engine cars?
Let’s compare the mechanical differences and explore what this means for their reliability and longevity.
Will EVs last longer than ICE Cars?
The introduction to the debate over whether electric vehicles (EVs) will last longer than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars leads to an interesting discussion on the reliability and mechanical differences between the two types of vehicles.
Because they have far fewer moving parts (and by extension, less wear and tear on their components) EVs are expected to far outlast ICE cars. Basically, ICE cars have more things that can go wrong, which means higher maintenance costs and more frequent replacement of consumable parts which include spark plugs, air filters, grease, oil and exhaust parts (among many more items).
No doubt, battery life of EVs is a crucial factor in this debate. While battery degradation is a concern for EV owners, with the rapid technological breakthroughs in battery chemistry and manufacturing, this is becoming less and less of an issue. So too, electric motors have a long lifespan and do not require a gearbox, which is one less component—comprising literally hundreds of individual parts—to cause issues.
There are numerous EV models that already have a history of reliable high mileage, which already proves electric cars can withstand wear and tear better than their gas-guzzling (ICE) counterparts.
EVs vs ICE Cars: Reliability and Mechanical Differences
It is true: Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to last longer than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars due to their mechanical differences, fewer moving parts, and less wear and tear, making for more reliable and long-lasting cars overall.
- EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE cars, which means less wear and tear overall. They also require less maintenance consumables, such as oil and filters. In contrast, ICE cars have more things that can go wrong, such as the engine, transmission, and exhaust system.
- EVs have electric motors that generate torque and power directly, with no need for a gearbox. Therefore, there’s no gearbox to wear out or maintain in an electric motors, which is another solid reason why electric cars have a long lifespan.
- Electric motors and EV battery life have already proven to last a long time, with fewer failures and replacements needed.
- EVs have already demonstrated a history of reliable high mileage, with some Tesla EVs exceeding 500,000 miles on their original battery. If that doesn’t seem a lot, it’s worth knowing that the lifetime mileage of an ICE car is less than a third of that number (at about 150,000 miles). Proof positive that EVs are more durable and reliable in the short and long run.
- EVs have hardly any requirements for consumables, have minimal service needs by comparison, which tends to reduce the overall cost of ownership.
- EVs have a lower risk of breakdowns and mechanical failures.
On the contrary, to run and maintain an ICE car is time- and cost-intensive. Gas and diesel cars require maintenance consumables like oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, and filters. ICE cars have so much that can go wrong, such as a transmission, exhaust system, starter motor, alternator, and fuel delivery systems. All of these reduce their reliability and longevity.
Even at this relatively early stage of EV adoption in the marketplace, it is safe to say that given the current level of technology, EVs are likely to last longer than ICE cars, and with the constant efforts for innovation, even higher standards of reliability and longevity will be achieved soon.
Fewer Moving Parts in EVs
Unlike ICE cars, which have complex engines with many parts (many of which are moving parts) that can potentially break down, EVs have fewer mechanical differences and maintenance consumables. Electric cars don’t have a gearbox, a clutch, transmission, oil filters, radiator hoses, timing belts, pistons, spark plugs, fuel pumps, starter motor or exhaust system. This means fewer things can go wrong with EVs, there’s less wear and tear, improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs and more prolonged lifespans.
Battery Life and Electric Motors in EVs
Bottom line: EVs are likely to last longer than ICE cars due to their simpler mechanical design, fewer moving parts, and already a reliable history of the high mileage of EVs. So, if you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting car, an EV might be the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are electric vehicles more reliable than internal combustion engine cars?
Yes, electric vehicles are generally more reliable than ICE cars. This is because EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE cars, which means there is less wear and tear on the vehicle over time.
2. Do electric vehicles require less maintenance than ICE cars?
Yes, electric vehicles require less maintenance than ICE cars. EVs have fewer maintenance consumables like oil, filters, and spark plugs that need to be replaced regularly. This means fewer trips to the mechanic and lower maintenance costs over time.
3. Do ICE cars have more things that can go wrong compared to EVs?
Yes, ICE cars have more things that can go wrong compared to EVs. ICE cars have complex mechanical systems that require regular maintenance and are prone to breakdowns. In contrast, EVs have fewer mechanical components and are less likely to experience issues.
4. How long do electric vehicle batteries last?
Often the warranted life of a battery in an electric vehicle is confused with the actual life of a EV battery. While on average, manufacturers warrant their batteries for 8 years, the projected lifespan is more likely to be 20+ years with regular use. There will be some degradation of battery capacity but that’s not predictable because it depends on driving style, charging habits, and more. Advancements in battery technology are improving battery life and durability.
5. Do electric vehicles have gearboxes like ICE cars?
No, electric vehicles do not have a gearbox like ICE cars. This is because electric motors have a much wider range of usable speeds and torque compared to combustion engines. This means that they can operate at maximum efficiency without the need for a gearbox.
6. Is there a history of reliable high mileage in electric vehicles?
Yes, there is already a history of reliable high mileage in electric vehicles. Some EV owners have reported driving more than 200,000 miles with no major issues. This is because EVs have fewer mechanical components that can wear out compared to ICE cars.