In the context of modern mobility, the choice between endothermic (internal combustion) engines and electric motors is a crucial aspect in determining the energy efficiency, environmental impact, and overall performance of vehicles. This comparison delves into the performance of both types of engines, highlighting the substantial differences that influence their application and diffusion in transport.

Endothermic Engine Efficiency

Endothermic engines are traditionally powered by fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. Their operation relies on the combustion of fuel to generate mechanical energy. The efficiency of an endothermic engine is defined as the ratio between the useful energy produced and the total energy contained in the fuel.

Factors That Affect Performance:

1. Thermal Losses: Much of the energy produced by combustion is lost in the form of heat through the exhaust gases and the cooling system. This is one of the main factors that reduces the return.
2. Mechanical Friction: Friction within the engine, such as friction between pistons and cylinders, leads to additional energy losses.
3. Combustion Efficiency: Not all the chemical energy in the fuel is converted into useful mechanical energy; some is lost during the combustion process.

Average Efficiency: The average efficiency of an internal combustion engine varies between 20% and 30%. More advanced engines, such as those equipped with hybrid or heat recovery technologies, can achieve slightly higher efficiencies, but rarely exceed 40%.

Electric Motor Efficiency

Electric motors convert electrical energy directly into mechanical energy with extremely high efficiency. Having no internal combustion processes and fewer moving parts than endothermic engines, energy losses are significantly reduced.

Factors That Affect Performance:

1. Electrical Losses: The main losses in an electric motor are due to the resistance of the conducting materials and the losses in the process of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
2. Power System Efficiency: The efficiency of the power system, including inverters and batteries, can affect the overall performance of the electric vehicle.

Average Efficiency: Electric motors have an efficiency ranging between 80% and 95%, with some high-quality motors reaching as high as 98%. This makes electric motors extremely efficient compared to internal combustion engines.

Direct Comparison

1. Energy Efficiency: With an efficiency that can reach up to 95%, electric motors are significantly superior to endothermic engines, whose efficiency rarely exceeds 30%.
2. CO2 emissions: Endothermic engines emit a significant amount of CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Electric motors, on the other hand, do not produce direct emissions during operation. However, the environmental impact also depends on the source of electricity used for charging.
3. Maintenance: Electric motors require less maintenance than endothermic engines, due to their lower mechanical complexity and the absence of combustion processes that cause wear.
4. Cost of Fuel: Electricity is less expensive and more stable in price than fossil fuels, making electric vehicles cheaper to refuel.
5. Performance: Electric motors deliver instant torque, improving the vehicle's acceleration and responsiveness. Endothermic engines, on the other hand, require more time to reach maximum torque.

The comparison between endothermic and electric motors clearly highlights the significant advantages of electric motors in terms of energy efficiency, reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs and improvements in performance.

However, it is also crucial to consider the current limitations of the available infrastructure and technologies. In Italy, for long distances, the charging infrastructures are not yet widespread enough to guarantee the same practicality offered by endothermic engines. In addition, battery technology, although constantly evolving, does not yet allow fast recharges comparable to the speed of refueling at the petrol pump.

On the other hand, for urban micro-mobility, the electric motor is a winning solution. The shorter journeys typical of city environments mean that recharging is avoided along the way, and the absence of emissions is a huge advantage for improving air quality in cities, where air pollution is a daily challenge.

With continuous technological progress, the increase in charging infrastructure and the growing focus on environmental sustainability, electric motors are increasingly consolidating themselves as the future of mobility. However, while electric dominates urban micromobility, the path towards a full replacement of endothermic engines in long distances will still require time, innovation, and targeted investments.