When comparing electric cars and combustions cars, key differences affect the driver’s experience, like overall mileage and cost
One of these critical factors is the difference in weight between the two competing vehicles
So, are electric cars heavier than combustion cars, and is being a heavier vehicle beneficial or unfavorable?
Electric cars are heavier in every general aspect of a car’s average weight
Since more batteries are needed to create the same amount of power as a combustion engine, electric cars can be more than a thousand pounds heavier than an average vehicle of the same type and build
So, is it only the battery that affects the overall weight of an electric car, or are there other technological advancements that add to the weight of a vehicle that is not present in a combustion engine vehicle?
Electric cars are heavier primarily because of the batteries needed to create enough power for ideal performance
However, other factors also add to the overall weight of an electric car that is worth mentioning
Firstly, the battery packs of electric cars can weigh more than a thousand pounds depending on the model
For example, a lithium-ion battery that comprises 6,831 cells weighs around 900 pounds, provides an average mileage of 300 miles on a full charge, and can go from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds
More specific models like Tesla’s Model X battery pack weigh up to 1377 lbs for enhanced performance due to its overall heavier build
Secondly, due to the battery pack weighing more than 1000 pounds, the framework of the car is adjusted to carry the weight
More metal is needed to create a basket-type frame for the battery to lay in safely
Not only is the framework thicker and heavier to carry the battery, but a heavy-duty shell is built around the battery to create an amour for protection
Thirdly, electric vehicles need to convert the power it receives from the wall connector to the battery in order for the car to function
The AC power converts to DC power through the onboard charger device, which also adds to the overall weight of an electric vehicle
Finally, one can argue that electric cars have far more specialized compartments and systems to let the vehicle perform effectively
Additional advanced technology to provide comfort and luxury to the customer also adds weight to the car that the average vehicle will not have
Therefore, most of the added weight is due to the battery pack and everything needed to sustain and protect the pack when the car is in use
Electric cars being heavier than combustion vehicles may sound like a concern for an average customer for daily use
Still, a heavier vehicle might not be as dangerous as it sounds
Heavier cars will cause more damage on the road, but the passengers inside might be safer from a collision
In addition, electric vehicles do not have an engine at the front but a space for storage instead—the empty space at the front of the car functions as a cushion upon impact
Therefore, a heavier vehicle is safer for the passengers in the car due to the overall mass being harder to move
However, the primary concern for the Environmental Protection Agency is that the difference in weight between cars is what causes the most damage
If everyone were able to purchase a heavier electric car, road users would be safer in general
But, vehicle collisions are not the only concern when it comes to general safety because heavier electric vehicles can also impact the road it is using
Although most roads are capable of withstanding the impact of heavy vehicles like trucks, heavier electric vehicles can shorten the “life-span” of the road’s surface, according to the president-elect of the American Civil Society of Civil Engineers, Maria Lehman
The effect of heavier electric vehicles on the road will only be seen once the majority of consumers use them, and even then, it will happen gradually over time
Although heavier electric vehicles are not as bad or unsafe as one might think, new advanced techniques are being implemented to create lighter electric vehicles
The goal of making an electric car lighter is to enhance the handling and performance, which will, in turn, provide a better range for the average user
Not much material is needed to exert an ideal amount of power
The goal is to use it with the electrodes in batteries to make the whole unit considerably lighter
The material has a high conductivity ability which means the batteries can be made smaller and still keep their original performance
The new material can make a considerable difference in the weight of electric cars, which will enhance the overall experience and performance but whether it will be lighter than a combustion car is still to be discovered
Electric cars are heavier mainly due to batteries having a challenging weight on their own and a considerable amount of them being needed to achieve ideal performance
Heavier electric cars are much safer for the passengers, although a lot of research is being done to make electric cars lighter in order to increase mileage and enhance performance