do electric cars weigh more than gas cars

[Pam]

Yes, electric cars consistently weigh more than their gas-powered counterparts. The primary reason is the battery pack, which is significantly heavier than a traditional internal combustion engine and fuel tank. For example, the battery in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range weighs over 1,000 lbs, while a full gas tank might be around 100-150 lbs. This weight difference impacts everything from tire wear to stopping distances.

The core of the issue is energy density. Gasoline is an incredibly energy-dense fuel. An average sedan's gas tank holds about 15 gallons of fuel, weighing roughly 90 pounds, and provides over 300 miles of range. An electric vehicle's battery pack must be massive to store a comparable amount of energy. A typical EV battery pack weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. So, while the electric motor itself is often lighter and more compact than a gas engine, the sheer mass of the battery tips the scales.

This weight disparity has real-world consequences. Heavier vehicles experience faster tire wear and require more robust braking systems. Many EVs use regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the car and recapture energy, reducing wear on the physical brake pads. The added weight also affects handling; engineers must tune the suspension and chassis to manage the inertia, which can lead to a very planted, stable ride. However, in a collision, the greater mass of an EV can be a safety advantage for its occupants, though it presents increased risks for smaller vehicles.

Vehicle Comparison	Curb Weight (approx.)	Key Weight Component
Hyundai Kona Gas	2,900 lbs	1.6L Engine, Transmission
Hyundai Kona Electric	3,500 lbs	64 kWh Battery Pack
Ford F-150 Gas	4,700 lbs	5.0L V8 Engine
Ford F-150 Lightning	6,000 lbs	98-131 kWh Battery
Volkswagen Golf GTI	3,100 lbs	2.0L Turbo Engine
Volkswagen ID.4	4,600 lbs	82 kWh Battery

The trend is clear across all segments. As battery technology improves, we may see a reduction in weight for a given range, but for the foreseeable future, electric cars will continue to be heavier than gas cars.

[DeElijah]

You bet they do. Think about it: instead of a metal engine and a plastic gas tank, you've got a giant slab of batteries under the floor. It's like driving around with a grand piano in the trunk. You feel that weight when you accelerate—it's super smooth and quiet, but you can tell the car is really planted on the road. The biggest thing you notice is that it feels incredibly solid and stable, especially on the highway.