Are EVs Heavier Than Petrol Cars?

Yes. In most cases, EVs are heavier than petrol or diesel cars of a similar size, but wait, it’s not a bad thing!

The reasons behind this extra weight are often misunderstood, and being heavier does not automatically mean an electric vehicle performs worse, handles poorly or damages roads.

Obviously, modern EVs are engineered very differently from traditional petrol and diesel cars. So while yes, the battery pack adds weight, it also changes how the vehicle drives, handles, and performs in everyday use.

This blog post will explore why electric vehicles weigh more, what impact that has in the real world, and why modern EV engineering has largely offset many of the concerns surrounding vehicle weight. We’ll also look at how vehicles such as the Skywell BE11 demonstrate that modern EVs balance practicality, range, safety, and comfort despite carrying larger battery packs.

Why Are Electric Cars Heavier?

The main reason electric cars are heavier is the battery. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, which store fuel in a relatively lightweight tank, electric vehicles rely on large lithium-ion battery systems to store energy. These battery packs are significantly heavier than a traditional fuel tank and contribute a large proportion of the vehicle’s overall weight.

In internal combustion engine vehicles, much of the vehicle’s weight comes from the engine, gearbox, exhaust system and fuel system. In EVs, these components are replaced by electric motors and a large EV battery mounted under the vehicle’s floor.

The battery weight required to achieve a longer driving range is substantial. The larger the battery pack, the further the vehicle can typically travel between charges. This is why long-range electric SUVs and family EVs often weigh more than petrol or diesel equivalents.

However, it is important to remember that many modern petrol and diesel cars have also become significantly heavier over time due to added safety systems, larger dimensions and additional technology features.

How Much Heavier Are EVs Compared to Petrol Cars?

On average, electric cars are around 20–30% heavier than comparable ICE vehicles.

For example, many medium-sized petrol cars weigh between 1,300kg and 1,700kg, while similarly sized electric vehicles may weigh between 1,800kg and 2,200kg, depending on battery size.

The Skywell BE11 provides a good example of this. The BE11 has a vehicle weight of approximately 1,880-1,930kg, depending on the battery specification.

This additional weight largely comes from its advanced lithium-ion battery system, which supports an impressive WLTP combined driving range of up to 304 miles, depending on specification.

SUVs also naturally weigh more than smaller hatchbacks, regardless of fuel type. A large electric SUV should therefore be compared against similar petrol or diesel equivalents rather than smaller city cars.

Why EV Weight Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

The way an electric vehicle distributes its extra weight actually improves stability and comfort. Because the battery pack is mounted low in the chassis, EVs typically have a much lower centre of gravity than petrol and diesel cars.
A lower centre of gravity helps reduce body roll, improves cornering stability and creates a more planted driving feel. This is one reason why many drivers are surprised by how refined and stable modern EVs feel on the road despite the additional weight.

The positioning of the EV battery underneath the floor also helps improve weight distribution across the vehicle.

The Skywell BE11 benefits from this design approach, delivering a smooth and composed driving experience while still offering the practicality expected from a spacious family SUV.

Do Electric Cars Perform Well Despite the Extra Weight?

Yes. In fact, most electric vehicles feel quicker and more responsive than comparable petrol cars.

One of the biggest advantages of electric motors is instant torque delivery. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs can deliver maximum torque almost immediately, helping offset the additional weight they carry.

This means many EVs accelerate smoothly and quickly, even though they weigh more overall.

The BE11, for example, produces 320 Nm of torque and 204 PS of power, delivering confident everyday performance.

Regenerative braking also plays an important role in improving efficiency. Rather than wasting energy during braking, EVs recover and store some of it in the battery pack.

As battery technology continues to improve, manufacturers are also finding ways to reduce vehicle mass while increasing efficiency and driving range.

Are EVs Safer Because They Are Heavier?

We cannot determine a vehicle’s safety based on weight alone, but electric vehicles’ structures can offer several advantages.

The battery pack often forms part of the vehicle’s structural platform, creating a rigid chassis design. Combined with the low centre of gravity, this can help improve stability and reduce the risk of rollover.

Modern electric vehicles are also designed to meet the same strict safety regulations as petrol and diesel cars.

The Skywell BE11 includes a wide range of safety technologies, including:

• Front, side and curtain airbags
• 360° panoramic parking camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Stability and traction control systems
• Hill assist and hill descent control
• Active park assist

As with any vehicle, overall safety depends on engineering quality, structural integrity and driver assistance systems rather than simply how much the car weighs.

Do Heavier EVs Cause More Road Wear?

So are EVs the reason the UK’s roads are such a mess at the moment? Are EVs ruining our roads?

Technically, any increase in vehicle mass can contribute to additional tyre wear and surface wear. However, context is important.

Most passenger electric vehicles remain significantly lighter than commercial vehicles, buses and heavy goods vehicles that roads are already designed to support daily.

Many large petrol SUVs and luxury ICE vehicles are also extremely heavy, meaning vehicle weight is not an issue unique to EVs.

In addition, battery technology is getting better day by day. Improvements in energy density mean future EV batteries are expected to become lighter while storing more energy.

Solid-state batteries are one of the most talked-about future developments in the industry. These next-generation battery systems could reduce battery weight, improve charging speeds and increase driving range compared to current lithium-ion battery technology.

Are Electric Cars Too Heavy for Car Parks?

Concerns have occasionally been raised about whether electric cars are too heavy for older car parks or infrastructure.

In reality, most modern car parks are designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle types, including large SUVs and commercial vehicles.

While certain older structures may require assessment for extremely heavy vehicles, standard passenger EVs generally operate within normal design tolerances.

The debate over EV weight sometimes overlooks that vehicle sizes have increased across the automotive industry over the last decade, regardless of powertrain type.

Does Extra Weight Reduce EV Efficiency?

Additional weight can affect efficiency because moving a heavier vehicle requires more energy.

However, EVs are designed very differently from petrol and diesel cars. Regenerative braking systems help recover energy during deceleration, while advanced aerodynamics and efficient electric motors help improve overall efficiency.

Modern EV platforms are also specifically engineered around battery placement and weight distribution.

The Skywell BE11 combines its larger battery capacity with aerodynamic styling and efficient drivetrain engineering to deliver up to 304 miles of WLTP combined range, demonstrating how modern EVs can still deliver strong real-world range despite carrying additional weight.

So, Are EVs Heavier Than Petrol Cars?

Yes, most electric vehicles are heavier than petrol or diesel cars, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a problem.

The primary reason is the large battery pack required to power the vehicle and deliver a competitive driving range. Modern EV engineering uses low-mounted batteries, improved weight distribution and advanced electric motors to create vehicles that feel stable, refined and responsive to drive.

Battery technology is also improving. As solid-state batteries and next-generation battery systems develop, future EVs are expected to become lighter and even more efficient.

Ultimately, while electric cars are heavier, the overall ownership experience, efficiency, refinement and zero tailpipe emissions remain key reasons why more drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles.