The Difference Between Electric Motors and Internal Combined Motors

Electric motor is an important electrical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Simply put, an electric motor converts electric current into mechanical motion.

According to John B. Heywood (2018): Electric motors are capable of converting over 85-90% of electrical energy into mechanical energy, while internal combustion engines can only convert 20-35% of fuel energy into useful work.

Internal combustion engine is a type of heat engine where the fuel combustion process occurs directly inside the engine's combustion chamber. The heat energy generated from this combustion process is converted into mechanical energy, creating thrust to operate devices such as cars, motorbikes, airplanes, ships, etc.

In the modern automotive market, the two main types of engines commonly used are electric motors and internal combustion engines. Each of these engines has its own unique characteristics that play an important role in choosing the right vehicle. Here is a closer look at each engine type, along with detailed comparisons of performance, pros and cons, and practical applications.

Concept of motivation

An engine is a device that converts energy from one form to another to create kinetic energy. Typically, engines are located under the hood of cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, and crossovers. For sports cars, the engine is usually located in the rear.

About electric motors

With the strong development of technology, electric motors have become the first choice for many consumers. They operate based on the principle of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy through types of motors such as:

• DC Motor
• Induction Motor
• Synchronous Reluctance Motor
• Switched Reluctance Motor
• Brushless DC Motor
• Interior Permanent Magnet Motor

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (2022): Electric vehicles have 20-30% lower maintenance costs than internal combustion engine vehicles over their lifetime, mainly due to fewer moving parts and no need for regular oil changes.

A few words about internal combustion engines

Despite being around for decades, internal combustion engines still hold a prominent place in the automotive industry. They work by burning fuel to produce mechanical work in the form of torque. Types of internal combustion engines include:

• Otto engine (gasoline)
• Diesel engine
• 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines
• Engine types according to shape and number of cylinders such as V, inline, W engines...

Comparison between electric motor and internal combustion engine

1. Performance

Electric motors are much more efficient than internal combustion engines due to their ability to convert energy more efficiently.

2. Torque

Vehicles using electric motors have the ability to accelerate faster due to high torque right from the start.

3. Maintenance and usage costs

Electric motor:

• Low maintenance costs due to few complex moving parts.
• Lower running costs because no regular oil changes are required.

Internal combustion engine:

• Higher maintenance costs due to more parts requiring regular maintenance.
• Fuel costs may be higher depending on fuel type and market prices.

Advantages and disadvantages of each type of engine

1. Electric motor

Advantage:

• No toxic gas emissions, environmentally friendly.
• Smooth operation, creating a comfortable feeling for the driver.
• High energy efficiency saves operating costs.

Disadvantages:

• Initial cost is higher than that of vehicles using internal combustion engines.
• Charging time is longer than refueling a combustion vehicle.
• Depends on charging system.

2. Internal combustion engine

Advantage:

• Able to travel long distances without stopping to recharge.
• Easy refueling in many locations.
• Suitable for sports cars with the ability to reach high speeds quickly.

Disadvantages:

• Polluting the environment by emitting toxic gases.
• Loud noise during operation.
• Lower efficiency than electric motors.

Both types of engines have their own advantages and disadvantages. Electric engines are gaining ground due to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness, but they still face some limitations in terms of cost and charging time. On the other hand, internal combustion engines remain a popular choice due to their powerful power delivery and ease of refueling.

Choosing between these two types of engines depends on each consumer's personal needs, budget and environmental concerns.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of batteries are there in electric motors?

Electric motors mainly use lithium-ion batteries, accounting for about 70% of the market, with capacities ranging from 30 kWh to 100 kWh, allowing the vehicle to travel from 200 km to 600 km per charge. See the article now: Top 3 popular types of electric cars on the market today.

2. What is the environmental impact of internal combustion engines?

Internal combustion engines emit about 2,3 kg of CO2 for every litre of petrol consumed, contributing to air pollution and climate change. They also emit NOx and particulate matter, which are harmful to human health.

3. What is the overall cost of owning an electric car compared to an internal combustion car?

The average cost of ownership for an electric vehicle is about 20% lower than that of an internal combustion vehicle after five years of use, thanks to low maintenance costs and fuel savings.

4. How long does it take to charge an electric motor?

Charging time depends on the type of charger: fast charging can take 30 minutes to 1 hour for 80% battery capacity, while home charging typically takes 8 to 12 hours.

5. What is the actual efficiency of an electric motor compared to an internal combustion engine?

In independent tests, electric motors have a real-world efficiency of around 85-90%, while internal combustion engines only achieve around 25-30% due to energy losses during fuel conversion. For more information about electric cars & the benefits of buying an electric car, see the article: https://thanhphongauto.com/mua-xe-o-to-dien/.