Your EV is carrying six invisible passengers? EU data shows how electric cars differ from petrol & diesel vehicles

Electric cars are considerably heavier than combustion-only cars, according to data on the average weight of newly registered cars in the European Union between 2020 and 2025.

The data shows a clear difference in vehicle weight across different powertrain types. Plug-in hybrids were the heaviest, while combustion-only cars had the lowest average weight.

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How much does an electric car weigh?

Battery-electric cars had an average weight of 1,878kg between 2020 and 2025.

This was 399kg more than combustion-only cars, which had an average weight of 1,479kg.

The figures put battery-electric cars between non-plug-in hybrids and plug-in hybrids in terms of average weight.

Plug-in hybrids are the heaviest cars

Plug-in hybrid cars recorded the highest average weight in the data, at 1,974kg.

They were followed by battery-electric cars at 1,878kg, while non-plug-in hybrids averaged 1,631kg.

Combustion-only cars were the lightest category, with an average weight of 1,479kg.

Hybrid car weight compared with petrol cars

Non-plug-in hybrid cars had an average weight of 1,631kg, making them 152kg heavier than combustion-only cars.

The figures show a steady increase in average vehicle weight across the four powertrain categories:

• Combustion-only: 1,479kg
• Hybrid (non-plug-in): 1,631kg
• Battery electric: 1,878kg
• Hybrid (plug-in): 1,974kg

Electric cars are nearly 400kg heavier

The gap between battery-electric and combustion-only cars was 399kg.

The difference was even larger when comparing plug-in hybrids with combustion-only cars. At 1,974kg, plug-in hybrids were 495kg heavier on average.

The graph describes the 495kg difference as roughly equivalent to carrying six adults.

Why are electric cars heavier?

The weight difference is notable because electric vehicles have large battery packs that add substantial weight to the vehicle.

At the same time, the graph only compares average weights by powertrain type and does not explain the individual factors behind the differences.

Nitin Gadkari backs second life for EV batteries

Meanwhile, Union minister Nitin Gadkari has suggested that used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles could be given a second life as stationary energy-storage systems for homes.

Speaking while inaugurating an electric-vehicle startup in Nagpur, Gadkari said used EV batteries could potentially become a “second source” of power for households while improving the overall value and sustainability of electric mobility.

The startup, founded by Ashish Dokania, converts conventional petrol-powered mopeds into electric vehicles through retrofitting. It has plants in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and has expanded its operations to Nagpur.

Dokania said lead-acid batteries are cheaper but have lower longevity, while lithium-ion batteries can run for up to 50,000km. He also said portable batteries can be charged at home.

Gadkari also stressed that EV retrofitting should remain affordable so that people from different sections of society can adopt electric mobility.

How petrol mopeds are converted into EVs

The retrofit kit includes a battery, motor, controller, rear wheel, display, throttle, wiring and necessary mounts. Components including the swing arm and suspension are also modified as part of the conversion.

According to Dokania, battery-related components account for nearly 50 per cent of the overall cost.

The retrofitting model allows an existing petrol-powered moped to be converted into an electric vehicle instead of replacing the entire vehicle, offering another route towards electric mobility.


(Inputs from TOI)