As someone who has always been curious about the future of transportation, I’ve often wondered if electric vehicles are truly superior to traditional petrol and diesel engines. There is a wealth of information available, but when broken down scientifically, the results can be surprising.
According to recent studies, electric car engines are far more efficient than internal combustion engines (ICEs) in terms of energy conversion into motion. Electric vehicles (EVs) convert between 59% and 62% of the electrical energy they receive from the grid into power at the wheels. Traditional petrol engines, on the other hand, only use 17% to 21% of the energy stored in fuel to generate motion. This represents a massive efficiency gap.
To understand why electric vehicles are more efficient, consider the energy conversion process. Heat, friction, and exhaust are all ways that petrol engines lose energy.
Here’s a breakdown of energy consumption in a typical petrol engine:
- 62-70% lost as heat
- 3-5% lost to friction
- 5-6% lost through pumping air in and out of the engine
- 17-21% used for actual vehicle propulsion
In contrast, electric motors have fewer moving parts and don’t need to burn fuel, resulting in much less energy loss:
- 15-20% lost as heat in the battery and motor
- 5-10% lost in power electronics
- 59-62% used for vehicle propulsion
This scientific breakdown clearly shows why electric vehicles can travel further on the same amount of energy input. But what does this mean for costs and overall efficiency? Let’s break it down, starting with fossil fuels.
Fossil Fuel Efficiency and Costs in Europe
In Europe, diesel fuel has a high energy density, producing an average of 10.5 kWh per litre, while unleaded petrol (gasoline) produces approximately 9.8 kWh per litre. Both types of engines require approximately 50 kWh to travel 100 kilometres.
Currently, diesel engines in Europe cost around 0.15 euros per kWh, while petrol engines cost around 0.18 euros per kWh. Diesel is generally more efficient and slightly less expensive, which explains its popularity among drivers who value fuel economy.
However, electric vehicles change the equation. EVs use only 25 kWh to travel 100 kilometres due to their superior energy conversion efficiency. However, the cost of electricity is higher—around 0.25 euros per kWh when using the domestic electric grid, and up to 0.50 euros per kWh when using fast-charging stations
To make this comparison more concrete, let’s look at some popular models in Europe:
- Diesel: The Volkswagen Golf TDI is one of the most efficient diesel-powered cars, consuming around 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km, translating to a cost of about 0.07 euros per km.
- Petrol: The Ford Fiesta EcoBoost is a highly fuel-efficient petrol car, using around 5.2 litres of petrol per 100 km, costing roughly 0.09 euros per km.
- Electric: The Tesla Model 3, a leading EV in Europe, consumes 15 kWh per 100 km, costing about 0.10 euros per km when charged at fast-charging stations. However, this cost could be reduced to 0.06 euros per km if charged at home during off-peak hours.
As these examples show, diesel engines are still more cost-effective for drivers who prioritize fuel savings, while electric cars are catching up, especially when charging is done at home.
The Future of Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure in Europe
Electric vehicles are expected to become more cost-effective as battery technology improves. One significant development is the rise of solid-state batteries, which offer higher energy densities, faster charging times, and longer lifespans than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This could result in lower costs for consumers, both in terms of vehicle purchases and operating expenses.
Another important factor is the expansion of the charging infrastructure throughout Europe. The European Union is making significant investments in developing a network of fast-charging stations along major highways and in cities. This will make it easier for EV owners to charge their cars on the go, lowering range anxiety and increasing the appeal of electric vehicles.
Electricity costs are also expected to stabilise as more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are integrated into the grid. This shift towards sustainable energy may help to reduce the overall cost of operating an electric vehicle in the future, making it a more appealing option for the average consumer.
To quantify the potential impact of renewable energy on EV costs, consider these projections:
- The European Environment Agency reports that the share of renewable energy in electricity generation in the EU increased from 15% in 2005 to 34% in 2019.
- The EU aims to increase this to at least 55% by 2030.
- Studies show that for every 10% increase in renewable energy share, electricity prices could decrease by 2-4%.
Applying these figures, we could see electricity prices for EV charging drop by 10-20% by 2030, further improving the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles.
To put these comparisons into a broader context, let’s look at the total cost of ownership over a 5-year period for our example vehicles, assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 km:
- Diesel Volkswagen Golf TDI:
- Fuel costs: 0.07 €/km × 75,000 km = 5,250 €
- Maintenance costs (estimated): 2,500 €
- Total: 7,750 €
- Petrol Ford Fiesta EcoBoost:
- Fuel costs: 0.09 €/km × 75,000 km = 6,750 €
- Maintenance costs (estimated): 2,000 €
- Total: 8,750 €
- Electric Tesla Model 3:
- Charging costs (50% home, 50% fast charging): 0.08 €/km × 75,000 km = 6,000 €
- Maintenance costs (estimated): 1,500 €
- Total: 7,500 €
These figures demonstrate that while electric vehicles may have higher upfront costs, their lower maintenance requirements and potential for cheaper fueling can make them competitive in terms of total cost of ownership over time.
Diesel or Electric or Petrol
Several factors influence whether you choose an electric car, a petrol vehicle, or a diesel engine. Diesel engines continue to outperform petrol engines in terms of fuel efficiency and cost savings, particularly for long-distance driving. However, electric vehicles are a more environmentally friendly option. With advancements in battery technology and the expansion of charging infrastructure, the future of EVs looks promising, and they may soon outperform even the most efficient diesel vehicles in terms of cost and performance.
For the time being, diesel vehicles are the most cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption, while electric vehicles outperform in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact. However, as we continue to invest in green technology, we may soon see a future in which electric vehicles dominate the roads.
