Do electric cars have engines?

Do electric cars have engines? 

Electric cars have electric motors instead of combustion engines found in petrol and diesel vehicles. It can be confusing when trying to understand how electric vehicles work. In this article, we take a look at the differences between an electric motor and a combustion engine so you can understand how electric cars work. 

What is an electric motor? 

The electric motor is a tried and tested technology that has been used around the world for many years. An electric motor takes electrical energy and converts it into kinetic or movement energy to power the car's wheels. The electric motor does this using a series of electromagnets. Electric motors are used in many different devices in your home to power things such as electric toothbrushes, children's toys, vacuum cleaners and much more.  

In an electric car, the electricity needed to power the electric motor is stored in the electric battery, integrated into the vehicle. The car needs to be plugged into a charging point to charge the battery. Most electric cars can be charged at home or at charging points located around the country. The power at each charging point differs, so the vehicle charging time can vary.  

What is a combustion engine? 

A combustion engine is the type of engine found in petrol and diesel cars. It uses petrol or diesel fuel to power the vehicle and move it forward. The combustion engine combines fuel and air. This mixture is then ignited, expanding the gas and forcing the pistons to move. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft that rotates, and this motion drives the vehicle's wheels. This is a simplified explanation of how a combustion engine works.  

The combustion engine needs fuel in the form of petrol or diesel to ignite and provide the power to turn the wheels. This fuel can be purchased from petrol stations located all over the country.  

What are the benefits of an electric car? 

There are some key benefits of purchasing an electric car over a petrol or diesel engine. Let’s look at the key reasons people choose to switch to electric cars.  

Zero emissions 

Electric cars don't produce emissions like their petrol and diesel counterparts. The electric motor doesn't use or burn fossil fuels; therefore, there are zero carbon emissions. This is a massive benefit to the environment, which is constantly being negatively impacted as a direct result of combustion engines.  

Cheaper to run 

Electric vehicles are much cheaper to run compared to petrol and diesel cars. You can charge up an electric car for a fraction of the cost compared to purchasing fuel to do the same miles. Electric vehicles are also easier to maintain as they have fewer moving parts to manage. This makes the overall maintenance cost much cheaper for electric vehicles. 

Future-Proofing 

From 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK. Electric cars are the current solution to help preserve the planet and reduce the harmful impact humans have on the planet. The network of electric charging stations is growing rapidly, so it will become easier to charge and drive an electric car moving forward. 

Silent drive 

Electric cars are relaxing and almost silent to drive, this makes for a much more pleasant experience for the driver and passengers. Some electric cars use alternative noises so that pedestrians can hear when they are coming. 

What are the drawbacks of an electric car? 

Electric cars aren't for everyone just yet; some drawbacks may prevent you from going electric for your next used car. 

Initial cost 

Electric cars cost more to purchase compared to similar petrol and diesel cars. This higher initial investment can make electric cars unaffordable for some motorists. If you’re looking for a cheap car to get you from A to B, you may wish to stick with a petrol or diesel car.  

Car range 

Electric cars' ranges vary, but most can now achieve 150 miles on a full charge. Charging points are becoming more common worldwide, especially in the UK, where the government is actively working to increase the network of charging stations. However, there still isn't a complete network of charging stations covering every area of the UK. If you regularly travel long distances and can't get access to a charging station then an electric car might not be best for you.  

At SPOTiCAR, we have a great range of used cars, electric, petrol, and diesel engines. Take a look at our used electric cars or our full range of used cars.