In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a profound shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant switch from traditional combustion engines towards a greener, more eco-friendly alternative. As manufacturers are set to stop producing new petrol and diesel vehicles and put their focus on Electric and Hybrid alternatives, the debate as to whether you should be buying an electric car or holding onto combustion engine vehicles for now is rife, and growing in intensity every day. If you’re due to buy a new car, or you’re just debating making the switch, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand the differences so you can make a more informed decision.

Environmental Impact:

Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles have long been heralded as a cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative to petrol and diesel engines, not least due to their lack of emissions. However, it’s essential to consider the source of the electricity used to charge the vehicle – EVs are only as clean as the energy used to charge them. With the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the environmental benefits of electric vehicles are growing more and more with every company that opts for renewable energy sources, but it is still worth keeping in mind.

Combustion Vehicles: In contrast, traditional internal combustion engine vehicles rely on burning fossil fuels, such as petrol or diesel, which release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Despite continuous improvements in engine technology and emissions controls, traditional petrol and diesel vehicles remain a major contributor to air pollution and climate change.

Performance and Efficiency:

Electric Vehicles: EVs offer several performance advantages over combustion vehicles. Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing swift acceleration and responsive driving dynamics. With advancements in battery technology, modern electric vehicles boast impressive driving ranges and rapid charging capabilities and this is always being improved, which could address concerns about range and charging infrastructure.

Combustion Vehicles: While combustion vehicles have long been synonymous with power and performance, they face challenges in meeting increasingly strict fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Their performance can still compete with electric cars in some cases, however, and modern engines can treat drivers to turbocharging, direct injection, and hybridisation to improve efficiency and performance while reducing environmental impact.

Cost Considerations:

Electric Vehicles: The upfront cost of electric vehicles has historically been higher than their combustion counterparts, primarily due to the expense of battery technology. However, declining battery costs and government incentives have made EVs more affordable and accessible to consumers. The lower operating costs of EVs, including savings on fuel and maintenance, can offset the initial investment over time. With improvements to scalability and production costs, electric vehicles are projected to achieve cost parity with combustion vehicles in the coming years.

Combustion Vehicles: As it stands today, traditional petrol and diesel vehicles can offer a more economical choice initially for consumers, given their lower upfront costs and widespread availability of fuel. However, rising fuel prices, stricter emissions regulations, and maintenance expenses can eat into the saved costs or ultimately cost more in the long term. It’s also worth noting that the uncertainty surrounding the future availability and affordability of fossil fuels raises concerns about the long-term viability of combustion vehicles from both economic and environmental perspectives.

While combustion vehicles have long been the core of transport and travel, the rise of electric vehicles signals a more sustainable and efficient future for transportation. As electric vehicles continue to improve in performance, affordability, and infrastructure, they are set to redefine the automotive landscape and bring in a new era of clean, electrified mobility.

Here at Service4Service, we are always able to offer and provide repairs and maintenance for both traditional petrol and diesel engines, and Electric Vehicles. For more information or to book your vehicle in with our team, simply get in touch with us, today.