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As EVs grow in popularity, one of the most common questions we get asked is, “Are electric cars heavier than petrol cars?” It’s common knowledge that EVs have big batteries, but does that mean that they’re heavier than petrol or diesel cars?
Today, we’ll take a look at how their weight compares, examine why this difference exists, and explore what that means for driving, safety, and roads.
Despite all the many benefits of EVs, a common barrier slowing the transition is the actual weight of an electric car. Articles warning that EVs are too heavy to use multi-story car parks, bridges, and roads or to be stopped by guardrails are ten-a-penny these days.
While it’s true that an EV typically weighs more than its petrol or diesel counterpart of a similar size, the question is whether they are noticeably heavier than normal cars and if it really matters.
On average, EVs are around 20-30% heavier than petrol and diesel cars – primarily because of their battery. Here are some examples:
The average EV battery pack weighs between 300 – 500 kg, although in some cases, it can weigh up to 900 kg. Another factor that impacts weight is that EVs often have heavier chassis than ICE vehicles, in order to support the extra battery weight.
It’s no secret that a heavier car will perform differently from a lighter car, but a lot of the differences are negligible when it comes to EVs. For example, a heavier ICE vehicle will accelerate at a slower rate than a lighter one, but when it comes to EVs, the instant torque means this isn’t really an issue.
EVs are typically built with the battery at the base, which distributes weight more evenly across the chassis and lowers the centre of gravity. While this generally does improve handling during corners and increases stability, if you’re just using an EV as your normal day-to-day vehicle, you’re unlikely to notice the extra weight.
If you’re really pushing an EV to its limits, then you might notice the extra weight impacting your performance. Longer braking distances and extra strain on the tyres and suspension are common when you’re going full throttle. That being said, the regenerative braking present in a lot of EVs can help counteract some of these effects.
EVs undergo the same safety testing by the National Highway Safety Administration as ICE vehicles. They have to pass a rigorous set of crash tests to ensure their safety for road users, and by and far, they come out as safer for their occupants than their ICE equivalents.
The better weight distribution makes it harder for EVs to roll, and the heavier chassis helps shield occupants. Most EVs also now come equipped with a number of safety features, such as collision avoidance systems, driver assistance systems, and heavy-duty airbags and seat belts.
While the increased weight of EVs could pose some durability challenges for older bridges or roads, the average electric car has no more of an impact on the road than an ICE SUV. Most electric cars are lighter than these vehicles and won’t cause significantly more wear and tear.
The same might not be said for electric trucks and buses, although this is a claim disputed by motoring groups. As EVs get bigger, councils may have to modernise infrastructure to withstand their weight – although, with advancements in battery technology, the answer to “Is an electric car heavier than a petrol car” could soon be no.
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