Yes, they are. But here's why that's less of a concern than you might think.
20 Apr 2026
20 Apr 2026
4 min read
Electric vehicles weigh more than their petrol or diesel equivalents, mostly because of their battery packs. We'll explain why that extra weight exists, how much heavier EVs actually are, and whether it affects your day-to-day driving or home charging experience. Spoiler: the benefits still win out.
Yes. Most electric vehicles weigh more than similar petrol or diesel cars. The difference varies by model, but you'll typically see EVs carrying a few hundred extra kilos.
A typical electric hatchback might weigh 200–400kg more than a petrol equivalent. An electric SUV can be 300–500kg heavier. That's roughly the weight of four or five adults.
But before you worry about what that means for your wallet or your drive, let's look at why.
This is the big one. Lithium-ion battery packs are what power your EV, and they're heavy. Depending on the model, a battery pack can weigh anywhere from 300kg to 700kg.
That's a lot more than a traditional fuel tank, which weighs around 50kg when full. Even a petrol engine and gearbox combined rarely exceed 200kg.
The bigger the battery, the more range you get. But it also means more weight. That's the trade you're making for zero emissions and no trips to the petrol station.
EVs need extra structural support to carry and protect those heavy batteries. They're typically mounted low in the chassis, so the car's frame is reinforced around them.
That adds a bit more weight, but it also lowers the centre of gravity. Which, as we'll see in a moment, brings some unexpected benefits.
EVs don't have exhaust systems, fuel tanks, or complex multi-gear transmissions. That saves weight. But it doesn't fully offset the battery.
Some EVs use lighter materials like aluminium or carbon fibre to balance things out. But not all manufacturers go that route, especially on more affordable models.
Let's get specific. A petrol Volkswagen Golf weighs around 1,500kg. The electric Volkswagen ID.3 weighs about 1,800kg. That's roughly 20% heavier.
Or take SUVs. The petrol Audi Q5 weighs around 1,755kg. The electric Audi Q4 e-tron comes in at about 1,965kg, which is around 12% more.
The difference is often between 10% and 30%, depending on the vehicle class and battery size. Smaller EVs tend to carry proportionally more extra weight because the battery takes up a bigger share of the total mass.
Heavier cars need more energy to move. That's physics. So yes, weight does reduce efficiency slightly.
But EVs are still far more efficient than petrol or diesel cars. Electric motors convert over 85% of energy into motion, compared to as little as 20–30% for combustion engines. The weight penalty doesn't undo that advantage.
This is where the extra weight shows up most. EVs can wear through tyres around 20% faster than petrol cars, partly because of the weight and partly because of the instant torque electric motors deliver.
You might need to replace your tyres a bit sooner. But that's offset by the fact you're not paying for oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust repairs.
Here's the upside. That heavy battery sits low in the car, right between the wheels. It lowers the centre of gravity, which means better stability and sharper cornering.
Many EV drivers find their cars handle more predictably than petrol equivalents, especially in wet or windy conditions.
Heavier vehicles often perform well in crash tests, and EVs are no exception. The reinforced structure and low battery placement can improve crash protection.
That said, pedestrian safety is a consideration. Heavier vehicles can cause more harm in a collision, which is why manufacturers are working to balance weight with design features that reduce impact.
Yes. Battery technology is improving every year. Energy density is going up, which means you can store more power in a smaller, lighter pack.
Solid-state batteries, which are still in development, could cut battery weight by 30% or more. Some manufacturers are also experimenting with lighter materials like aluminium frames and structural batteries that double as part of the car's body.
We're not there yet. But the trajectory is clear. Future EVs will be lighter, more efficient, and even better value.
Electric cars are heavier than petrol or diesel equivalents, mostly because of their battery packs. That extra weight does affect things like tyre wear and energy consumption.
But it doesn't affect your home charging experience. Whether your car weighs 1,500kg or 2,000kg, your Pod Point Solo 3S will charge it just as efficiently. And the benefits of driving electric, from lower running costs to zero emissions, far outweigh the drawbacks of a bit of extra weight.
The future's getting lighter. But even now, the weight difference is rarely something you'll notice day to day.
