The automotive industry is going through a massive shake-up, particularly in Europe, where new legislation will effectively slam the door on new petrol and diesel car sales starting in 2035. This isn't just a technical shift, it's an existential crisis for the internal combustion engine (ICE). We’re going to compare these two powertrains, look at their pros and cons, and, crucially, discuss what factors should genuinely influence your choice when buying a car in this volatile landscape.
For starters, let's get the definitions out of the way. The ICE is that complicated, century-old engineering marvel that burns fuel to create mechanical energy through a series of controlled, tiny explosions. An electric motor, on the other hand, is completely different. It converts stored electrical energy directly into motion using electromagnetic fields. They both achieve the same goal-moving you down the road-but they do it in fundamentally contrasting ways.
It would seem, why can't they exist side by side? The legislative wave is the single biggest factor shaking the market. The EU’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is just the tip of the iceberg. You see similar, though perhaps less aggressive, timelines everywhere. The UK is aiming for 2030, and the regulatory environment is also tightening across the Atlantic.
In the US, the approach is more fragmented. It’s less about an outright federal ban and more about ambitious state-level mandates, led by California, which plans to phase out new ICE sales by 2035. This means that if you live in, say, Texas or Florida, you might not feel the regulatory pressure immediately, but the entire industry is forced to follow California’s lead anyway, given the sheer size of its market.
What about Latin America? The conversation there is just starting to heat up. Cities like Santiago and Bogota are pushing hard for electric public transit, but the wider passenger vehicle market still heavily relies on low-cost ICE vehicles. Infrastructure is a huge hurdle, and high electricity costs in some regions, combined with limited public charging, mean the EV revolution there is likely to be a slower burn, focusing mainly on hybrid solutions for now.
This global pressure compromises the investment appeal of that shiny new petrol or diesel car you might be eyeing today. It’s simple market economics - the closer we get to the deadline, the more uncertain the resale value becomes.
Let's go to some technical parameters now. The ICE has been refined for over a hundred years. A modern petrol engine only gives you its best when you push it hard, as you need to hit 2,000 to 4,000 RPM to find maximum torque.
But electric motors are in a league of their own. They deliver maximum torque instantly, right from 0 RPM. That’s why even a modest EV feels incredibly quick off the line. When you see a family electric car hitting 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds-often leaving behind heavier-duty ICE vehicles-you realise the future has truly arrived. It’s immediate, effortless acceleration.
What about money? What is more profitable to keep? This is where the difference is truly staggering. ICE cars demand constant pampering: oil changes, spark plugs, filters, fluids. It’s a never-ending list of chores that easily costs over €1,000 annually in Europe, not including fuel. Drive 20,000 km a year and you're literally burning thousands of Euros just on petrol.
Electric vehicles are simplicity itself. Maintenance is minimal - tyres, brake fluid (rarely, thanks to regenerative braking), and a cabin filter. Annual service costs typically hover around €300 - 500. And charging? If you charge at home (the smart way to do it), that same 20,000 km might only set you back €600 - 800 in electricity-about one-third the cost of petrol! Sure, public fast charging costs more, but you save the most money by "refuelling" while you sleep.
What about gas stations/charging and infrastructure in general? Here's the sticking point - ICE vehicles offer the classic convenience. 600 - 800 km per tank, 5 minutes to refuel, and a global network of stations built over a century. For those long, unpredictable road trips, it's still the undisputed king.
Modern EVs commonly offer 400 - 550 km of range (WLTP). But charging takes time: 6–10 hours overnight at home, or 20 - 40 minutes at a fast charger for that crucial 10 - 80% boost. The charging experience is better in Western Europe and coastal US states like California, where infrastructure is quickly catching up. But in parts of the US Midwest or deep in Latin America, finding a reliable charger can still be a real headache. The EV lifestyle works best if you have guaranteed home or work charging.
So what to choose? The ultimate decision boils down to your life, your location, and your driving habits.
Pick the ICE if you:
- Frequently drive massive distances (over 500 km) without reliable, predictable stops.
- Live where charging infrastructure is non-existent (like much of rural Latin America).
- Need the absolute lowest possible purchase price (the cheapest entry ticket).
Pick the EV if you:
- Have guaranteed home or work charging.
- Your daily commute is under 300 km.
- You crave low running costs, minimal fuss, and silent performance.
- You plan to own the vehicle long-term (past 2030) and live near city pollution zones.
The transition is inevitable. While ICE cars remain perfectly practical for many people right now, the smart buyer must think about 2035 and beyond. It’s all about understanding how the automotive landscape will change over your ownership period. What does your crystal ball tell you?