Are EVs Heavier Than Petrol Cars?

When considering buying an EV, questions around vehicle weight are becoming harder to ignore. With larger batteries, the electric car’s weight vs a petrol car’s weight is often noticeable, but it’s not as simple as heavier meaning worse.

Understanding the difference is important because it affects how a car performs day to day. Weight can influence handling, braking, tyre wear, and even efficiency. It also plays a role in broader concerns, such as road impact and environmental performance.

Ultimately, understanding these differences helps drivers make more informed, confident decisions when choosing between electric and petrol.

On average, electric vehicles (EVs) are heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents, and the main reason is one key component: the battery.

Modern EVs use large lithium-ion battery packs that can weigh between 300kg and 600kg. This significantly increases the overall weight of electric cars compared to petrol vehicles, even though EVs don’t have heavy components like engines, gearboxes, or exhaust systems.

How Big Is the Difference?

When comparing similar vehicles, the EV vs ICE weight gap is typically:

• 200–400kg heavier for standard cars (like hatchbacks and saloons)
• Up to 500kg+ heavier for larger SUVs and electric vans

However, this difference can vary depending on the model, battery size, and manufacturer design.

Does It Matter?

Even though EVs are often heavier, the impact of that isn’t always bad. The weight is usually positioned low in the car, which improves the stability and handling. So, although the numbers are higher, it doesn’t necessarily mean a worse driving experience.

Put simply, EVs tend to be heavier, but that added weight comes from the technology that enables zero-emission driving.

Now let’s understand why EV’s are generally heavier than ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars.

While electric vehicles don’t have traditional engines or exhaust systems, the large lithium-ion battery packs they rely on are significantly heavier than the parts they replace.

1. Battery Weight

The battery is the biggest contributor to an EV’s weight. EV batteries can weigh between 300kg and 600kg, depending on the vehicle’s size and range. These batteries store the energy needed to power the car, but current technology still makes them relatively heavy.

2. Protective Battery Structure

Not only are EV batteries heavy, but they also need to be well-protected. Manufacturers build strong casings and reinforce the vehicle’s structure to:

• Protect the battery in a collision
• Prevent damage from road impacts
• Improve overall safety

This adds extra weight compared to petrol cars.

3. Additional Systems & Technology

Electric vehicles include advanced systems that can also increase weight, such as:

• Battery cooling systems
• Power electronics and inverters
• Regenerative braking components

While these replace some traditional parts, they still contribute to the overall EV vs ICE weight gap.

4. Design Differences

Many EVs are built on dedicated platforms, sometimes called “skateboard” designs, in which the battery sits on the floor of the car. This layout improves stability but also means the vehicle’s structure is designed to carry extra weight.

 While an EV’s weight difference doesn’t always affect day-to-day driving in obvious ways, it can still have a noticeable impact on running costs over time.

Understanding why EVs are heavier helps explain these cost differences. While there are some added expenses, particularly around tyres and insurance, these are usually balanced out by the lower day-to-day running costs of electric vehicles.