It’s no news that electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise. EVs have become technically advanced enough to be head-to-head against the choice of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) that have dominated the roads over the last century. So, in all practicality, how do they compare?
Costs: Initial Purchase and Fuel
Contrary to popular belief, EVs are not necessarily more costly than ICEVs. The perceived difference stems from the upfront prices. Though in March 2025, Kelley Blue Book reported that EV average transaction price (ATPs) were higher by nearly 25% compared to the overall industry ATP of $47,462, EV tax credits lower the payment. The initial price of many EVs is higher than that of an ICEV, but EVs give that money back.
As maintenance and fueling costs for EVs are lower than those for ICEVs, the total cost of ownership for EVs is reduced compared to ICEVs over usage. This proves especially cost-efficient for fleet operators that stack distances easily. Some white papers report that the higher initial payment of EVs can be recovered in 5 years.
Drive Cleaner
When ICEVs release toxins (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, etc.) into the air, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. ICEVs are undoubtedly a source of air pollution, contributing to negative outcomes like respiratory disease for those affected.
EVs have an initial higher carbon footprint than ICEVs because of the energy-intensive battery pack manufacturing processes, but EVs offset this cost once again. Chasing down the carbon footprint of ICEVs can take as little as six months based on the “greenness” of the energy grid. An IEA analysis shows that the total CO2 emissions of EVs add up to 20 tons, less than half the total CO2 emissions of an ICEV at 40 tons. As renewable energy grows, the lifetime emissions of EVs shrink.
Performance Difference
The performance argument favors EVs, which have electric motors that deliver their power more efficiently, smoothly, and silently:
The energy loss of EVs is significantly less than ICEVs: a near 20% energy loss compared to 75%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
No combustion means less vibration, generating less wear and tear and increasing longevity.
The silent aspect reduces noise pollution (though not completely) from the congestion of urban areas that often disrupt lives.
More than that, EVs offer instant acceleration, which is suitable for stop-and-go traffic, and regenerative braking, which recaptures kinetic energy back into the battery pack as they slow down.
Fuel or Charge Availability
Past data shows a stark gap in availability between gas stations and electric chargers: the U.S. had averaged ~104 gas pumps per 1,000 road miles, compared to only ~22 EV charging ports.
While this difference reflects the ICEV to EV proportions as EVs have yet to reach usage parity with ICEVs, the charging network is rapidly developing:
Alternative fueling infrastructure has increased by almost 90% from 2020 to 2023, as per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Charging is more efficient with meticulously engineered DC fast chargers, like the 600kW Tron that charges vehicles in minutes.
EV home chargers are widely adopted, more conveniently installed nowadays, unlike how gas pumps in a home driveway are legally and technically out of the question.
The Future of Automobiles
The substantial increase in EV usage and charging accessibility in recent years is a testament to the progression towards transportation systems running on electricity. While there remain areas of improvement, such as battery manufacturing implications, improving transport efficiency can happen with a shift to EVs. From a comprehensive standpoint, EVs provide benefits that ICEVs may leave behind, considering performance efficiency over the finances, the environment, and accessibility.
At viveEV, we’re committed to powering the future of transportation with infrastructure that’s as sustainable as the vehicles it supports. Explore how we’re building a cleaner tomorrow.