Within the modern automotive landscape, drivers have multiple options when it comes to the type of propulsion they can choose for their next vehicle. Let us have a look at the various types of engines on the market and what best suits your driving needs.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
The ICE has existed in some way shape or form for over 100 years. It is by far the most popular engine choice for a modern vehicle. Gasoline (petrol) and diesel are the most common fuel types. In the last few years, in certain areas of the world gasoline is combined with ethanol.
ICE’s are very reliable, the engine designs have remained largely similar for many decades. In recent years the majority of the automakers have tried to get the most performance while lowering fuel consumption with the latest technologies like turbo charging, new fuel injectors and transmissions (Click Here to learn more about the different types of transmissions in modern vehicles).
Advantages: Proven reliability, easy to refuel, abundant maintenance locations, great performance, affordable.
Disadvantages: Fuel consumption, pollution, drivers are at the whim of the gas companies for the price of fuel.
Top internal combustion engine manufacturers: Toyota, Honda, BMW, and GM (LS Motor)
Hybrid
A hybrid vehicle refers to the combination of a traditional internal combustion engine along with a battery powered electric motor. Usually the manufacturer can use a much smaller ICE in the vehicle because the vehicle's power output will be augmented by the electric motor. Most Hybrid cars will use both a gas and electric motor in conjunction. The goal is to reduce the amount of gasoline consumption without sacrificing engine performance or having any range anxiety. It has been over two decades since Toyota first introduced the Prius and now almost the entire Toyota and Lexus lineup have a hybrid option. The intention with hybrid cars is to minimize fuel consumption in urban areas. In more recent years we’ve seen car manufactures adding electric motors to high performance cars with the emphasis on performance rather than fuel economy.
Advantages: Lowers fuel consumption in urban or congested areas.
Disadvantages: Higher entry price than an equivalent gas model. Engine complexity may require a specialist for repairs and maintenance. Highway fuel economy can be similar or worse than an equivalent gas model.
Top Hybrid engine manufacturers: Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Honda, BMW, and Hyundai
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEV’s are fantastic vehicles for those looking to maximize fuel economy and electric driving without having to worry about running out of charge. The PHEV concept is similar to that of the hybrid engine with the main difference being that the vehicle can run exclusively off its electric motor for a limited distance. While running on electricity these vehicles are producing little to no carbon emissions. These cars will have two fuel doors on their exteriors, one to fill up with gasoline and the other to recharge the battery.
Advantages: Can run purely on electricity. Unlimited range with the gas motor.
Disadvantage: Expensive entry price. Electric range is often very limited.
Top PHEVs: Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Prius and Rav4 Prime, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Ioniq, Volvo T8 models
Full Electric Vehicle (EV)
EV’s run entirely on electricity. These cars have no gasoline or diesel engines on board. In order to be charged they require an electrical outlet or charging station. We are starting to see more and more manufacturers get into the pure EV market. Overall pricing for EV’s are higher than an equivalent gas model due to the costs of R&D and design. We are seeing an influx in the market with emerging car manufacturers like Tesla and Polstar, beginning to challenge established automakers. Pure EV’s tend to have great performance as the electric motors have a hight output of horsepower and torque.
Advantages: Low maintenance, high power, no exhaust emissions, no engine noise.
Disadvantage: Charging time, range can be severely reduced in cold climates. Requires specialist for repairs.
Top EV’s: All Tesla Models, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi E-tron, Porsche Taycan, Nissan Leaf, Polstar and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles are yet another alternative to gasoline. These vehicles' engines function similarly to the ICE, but use hydrogen as the fuel source instead of gas or diesel. Cars running on hydrogen fuel cells emit water vapor and therefore run cleanly. The market for these vehicles is limited due to the high costs of fuel production. Outside of specific areas of California and Germany, the availability of hydrogen fuel is extremely limited.
Advantages: Quick refueling, zero emissions.
Disadvantages: Limited choice of vehicles, fuel availability is extremely limited.
Top hydrogen cars: Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Honda Clarity
Comments