ICE vs. Electric Vehicles: Which Is Cheaper and Easier To Maintain?

The buzz around electric vehicles (EVs) is undeniable. More people are considering switching. However, traditional gasoline cars, with their internal combustion engines (ICE), are still common on American roads.

But if you’re like most Americans, you’re still wondering—will an EV save me money? Gas-powered cars (ICE) have ruled the country for decades, but rising fuel prices and EV tax breaks are shifting the conversation.

This blog post cuts through the hype and compares the costs of owning and maintaining both options.

#1. Upfront Costs

Yes, EVs have higher sticker prices. This can be a significant inconvenience for many buyers. However, the Natural Resources Defense Council claims federal and state tax credits can help reduce this cost. In 2023, the average price of an EV fell by over $14,000 from the previous year. Meaning that there was a $2,800 difference between a brand-new EV and an ICE-powered car.

The federal tax credit slashes up to $7,500 off a new EV’s price and $4,000 for secondhand EVs. Several states provide additional tax benefits. Combine that with lower charging costs, and the math favors EVs. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, gas cars win today—just don’t ignore long-term savings.

#2. Battery vs. Engine

Fuel costs are a major factor. EVs run on electricity. ICE vehicles use gasoline. Electricity prices vary across the US. Gas prices also change. You need to compare local rates to estimate fuel costs. Consider the convenience of charging at home versus going to a gas station.

Furthermore, EVs use only 50% of energy compared to gas-powered cars. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, they are also 4.4 times more efficient in traveling a mile using a set energy value. In contrast, gas engines have numerous moving parts, including engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems.

These parts take time to warm up, causing fuel loss. Yale Climate Connections discloses gas-powered cars lose up to 84% of energy, compared to EVs’ 11%. EVs lose around 31-35% of energy but recapture 22%. Hence, EVs are the clear winner!

#3. Maintenance Issues

EVs aren’t just cars—they’re computers on wheels. Maintaining EVs involves dealing with high-voltage systems, necessitating specialized tools and safety equipment. Even basic tasks like tightening bolts demand precision. For example, torque wrenches—tools that measure bolt tightness—are critical.

ICE vehicles can pass by with manual torque wrenches for engine work. However, EVs need digital versions to meet strict battery assembly specs. A misstep could damage sensitive electronics, raising repair costs.

eTORK reveals digital wrenches have backlit electronic screens, providing instant torque readings and allowing inter-measurement unit conversions. This helps reduce human error in high-speed production environments.

Moreover, they are durable and easy to use. Furthermore, as EV technology is relatively fresh, long-term durability insights are still emerging. Some studies suggest that EVs may have higher repair costs due to specialized components and technology.

For example, a report by Business Wire indicates that overall upkeep charges for EVs are nearly 30% higher than ICE vehicles. Similarly, EV parts are about 50% costlier than ICE parts.

However, the reduced need for regular maintenance may offset these costs. Similarly, ICE vehicles demand regular oil changes. They also require spark plug replacements. Major components like transmissions may need costly repairs or replacements as they age. These differences can impact DIY maintenance efforts and may require specialized training.

Another major point is collision repair costs. A Mitchell EV Collision report reveals EVs are more likely to be involved in collisions. In 2023, the EV repair claims frequency increased by nearly 2% in the US and 2.86% in Canada. For the same year, the average cost of repairing an accident-damaged EV was over $6,000. In comparison, ICE counterparts averaged $4,696.

#3.1. Tire Wear and Replacement Frequency

EVs often have higher torque and weight than ICE vehicles, increasing tire wear. Their batteries add extra weight, causing tires to wear 20-30% faster than gas car tires. This means EV owners might need to replace tires more frequently. However, choosing tires designed for EVs and regulating optimal tire pressure can help offset this issue.

C&EN reveals tire manufacturers are developing new compounds to help combat this issue. They are experimenting with the basic properties of a tire, namely rolling resistance, wear resistance, and wet grip.

For instance, mixing precipitated silica reduces rolling friction. However, this affects wear performance, which is inadequate for EVs and other high-efficiency tires. This is among the biggest issues tire manufacturers want to fix.

Some have added coupling agents to silica to reduce rolling resistance. Green tires, which consist of up to a third of silica in the tire thread, can also boost car fuel efficiency by 5–8%. Goodyear, a leading tire and rubber-making company, has developed a new EV tire by adding additional ply tire layers. Likewise, Bridgestone also introduced a new polymer, reducing wear and rolling resistance concurrently.

#3.2. Brake System Longevity

EVs use regenerative braking, which recovers energy during deceleration to recharge the battery. This process reduces wear on brake pads, extending their lifespan. In contrast, ICE vehicles depend primarily on friction braking, resulting in more frequent brake pad upgrades. Reduced brake wear in EVs contributes to lower maintenance costs over time.

Wired reveals ICE cars should change brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Brake discs last longer than pads. In contrast, EVs’ pads and discs don’t require replacing for about twice the distance of ICE vehicles. However, regenerative braking plays a key role in minimizing the frequency of your brake replacement.

#4. Insurance Implications

Insurance premiums for EVs can be higher due to their higher purchase price, rapid tech development, and specialized repair needs. According to Bankrate, they are 18 to 30% pricier to insure than ICE vehicles. This is because EVs are priced higher, their parts cost more, they require specialized technicians, and the average repair time is longer.

However, as EVs become more common and repair lines widen, these costs are expected to decrease. Leasing avoids depreciation risks, but if you buy used gas cars, they retain better value. It’s important to compare insurance options and consider how maintenance and repair costs influence premiums for both EVs and ICE vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long do electric vehicle batteries last?

EV batteries are built to work for years, often with warranties spanning up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. After this period, they may still operate at reduced capacity or be repurposed. Battery replacements are rare, affecting only about 1.5% of EVs.

Q2. Do EVs require special home charging equipment?

Yes, EVs can charge using a standard 120V outlet, but a 240V Level 2 charger significantly reduces charging time. Installing a Level 2 charger requires professional installation and may increase electricity costs. Some utilities offer rebates to offset installation expenses, making home charging more efficient and convenient.

Q3. When to recalibrate a torque wrench?

If you drop or heavily use your torque wrench, it’s a good idea to have it recalibrated. Signs of inaccurate torque include over-tightened or under-tightened bolts, stripped threads, or even broken components. Regular calibration ensures accuracy and extends tool life.

EVs often have a higher initial cost. But they usually have lower maintenance costs. Fuel costs can be lower for EVs, depending on local electricity prices. ICE vehicles are generally cheaper to buy upfront. But they have higher maintenance and fuel costs. The best choice depends on your needs.

Think about your driving habits. Consider local fuel prices. Factor in maintenance costs. Weigh all the pros and cons. This will help you make an informed decision. If you drive mostly in the city, have home charging and want lower long-term costs, choose an EV. However, if you have road trips often, live where charging is scarce, or need a budget-friendly used car, opt for an ICE car.