Conventional cars powered by a combustion engine, also known as ICE vehicles (Internal Combustion Engine), have been around for over a century and are still widely used in every country around the world. They use internal combustion engines that convert the chemical energy generated by burning fuel into mechanical energy to move the car. However, they emit harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Electric cars, also called EVs, use motors powered by rechargeable batteries to propel the vehicle. While they may have limited range and require charging infrastructure, they produce no emissions and offer lower long-term operating costs. There are also hybrids, which are a combination of ICE and electric vehicles and provide a good balance between fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

In this article sponsored by Sabó, we will only cover internal combustion engine vehicles, which run on gasoline, diesel, gas, natural fuels, ethanol, and other fuels, and 100% electric vehicles, whose engines use batteries to generate and move energy. We will guide you through the systems and components of ICE and EV cars, comparing the technologies and finding the similarities and differences between these two types of propulsion systems. Sit in the passenger seat and join us on this discovery! Fasten your seatbelt and simply enjoy the rides. You will be amazed!

Which is better: a conventional fuel-powered vehicle or a battery-powered electric car? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, however, one of the most notable differences between them is the technology and components used. Externally, they can be quite similar, and even similar in some specific systems and components.

The main difference between conventional and electric cars is the power source. Conventional cars use internal combustion engines, which burn fuel to produce energy. Electric cars rely on batteries and electric motors to generate power.

Internal combustion engines, commonly found in gasoline, ethanol, Flex, natural gas (NGV), or diesel cars, work by burning fuel to create mechanical energy that drives the car's wheels. This process generates heat and noise, as well as harmful pollutants that are released into the environment through the exhaust system.

Electric motors convert electrical energy stored in batteries into mechanical energy that drives the car's wheels. This process produces no emissions and is quieter, making it more environmentally friendly than combustion engines.

As we mentioned earlier, we will not cover hybrid engines in this comparison, although they are a very interesting option. In a very realistic analysis, hybrids are combustion engines that have electric motors as a complementary source of power generation. For information purposes, these hybrid models can be: Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV): These combine an electric motor with a conventional engine to improve fuel efficiency. The electric system assists the gasoline engine during acceleration and other power-hungry situations, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. HEVs don't need to be plugged in to recharge, as they use regenerative braking to charge their batteries while the vehicles are in motion.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles have a larger battery than HEVs and can be charged by connecting them to an external power source. PHEVs can operate in all-electric mode for short distances before switching to their gasoline engines when the battery is discharged. This allows for greater ranges than BEVs before needing to recharge or refuel. PHEV owners can choose between charging their vehicle from a standard electrical outlet or using a dedicated EV charging station during off-peak hours for faster charging.

Long-range electric vehicles (EREVs): These use a fuel-powered generator to recharge the battery and extend the vehicle's range. Additionally, they are battery-powered only. These vehicles differ from PHEVs and HEVs in that the combustion engine does not drive the car's wheels. EREVs can be recharged by connecting them to an electricity source or with gasoline powered by the internal combustion engine. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor, but the generator provides additional electricity when needed.

Back to EV vs. ICE In one corner, ICE. Internal combustion engines require fuel, either fossil-based, such as gasoline, gas, or diesel, or plant-based, such as ethanol. Ethanol is a biofuel, meaning it is obtained from renewable natural sources. It is extracted from plants or roots rich in sugars, such as sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, oats, barley, and sorghum. Its production is carried out through an alcoholic fermentation process that transforms the sugars present in the raw material into ethanol.

Powered by any of these fuels, the combustion engine, also called an internal combustion engine, works by converting chemical fuel energy into mechanical energy. This process is carried out by burning the mixture of fuel and air inside the engine.

The operation of a combustion engine can be divided into four stages: 1) The first stage is called intake. In this stage, the intake valve opens to allow the mixture of fuel and gases (air) to enter the engine cylinder. 2) The second stage is called compression. During this stage, the intake valve closes and the piston, pushed by the crankshaft, begins to rotate and rise to compress the fuel. 3) The third stage is called combustion or explosion. In this step, the spark plug releases a small spark inside the cylinder, causing the fuel to explode. After that, the piston begins to descend due to the pressure exerted by the gases resulting from combustion, beginning a new rotation of the crankshaft. 4) The fourth stage is called exhaust. In this stage, the piston rises again and the exhaust valve opens. Thus, the gases from combustion are expelled from the cylinder. It is then free to begin a new cycle.