EV VS. ICE: FEWER MOVING PARTS, LESS MAINTENANCE

How Fewer Moving Parts Translate to Better Reliability and Reduced Ownership Costs: Comparison of Moving Parts

Electric Vehicles (EVs):
EVs are designed with a far simpler drivetrain compared to their ICE counterparts. On average, an EV contains around 20 to 25 moving parts in its drivetrain. These components typically include:

  • Electric motor

  • Bearings

  • Reduction gears

The simplicity of this configuration is one of the defining characteristics of electric vehicle technology. With fewer mechanical interactions, there is less wear on the components over time.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles:
In contrast, ICE vehicles are significantly more complex, containing 200 to more than 2,000 moving parts in both the engine and the drivetrain. Key components include:

  • Key engine components: Pistons, valves, camshafts, crankshafts, and connecting rods.

  • Fuel system: Includes fuel pumps, injectors, and filters.

  • Exhaust system: Components like the catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust manifold.

  • Transmission system: Includes gears, clutches, and synchronizers, all contributing to the number of moving parts.

  • Other mechanical systems: Power steering, air conditioning, alternators, and various belts and chains.

The reduced number of moving parts in electric vehicles boosts their reliability and durability while significantly lowering maintenance needs. As a result, EV owners benefit from lower long-term ownership costs. This reduced mechanical complexity is a key factor driving the growing appeal of electric vehicles in today's automotive market.

Source: https://www.nrdc.orghttps://www.forbes.com

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