Combustion Versus Electric Supercars – The fierce debate rages on

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The ongoing debate about combustion (ICE) versus electric supercars is a sensitive one, controversial even. Combustion or fossil-fuelled supercars have been around for quite some time now. However, with the development of electric vehicles, people often wonder about the fate of combustion engines.

Can you name all the electric supercars?

There is no denying the rising popularity of EVs within the automobile industry. The trend can be justified given the increasing awareness of environmental protection and resource sustainability. Having said that, though, it is not that straightforward to simply write off combustion vehicles, especially within the supercar segment. ICE supercars still dominate the sector; all the signs indicate they are not going away anytime soon. Here are some reasons why this is the case.

Firstly, combustion engines are still highly sought after by car enthusiasts. The sound of an engine revving and the feeling of the car accelerating is an experience that, for now, cannot be replicated by electric supercars. Electric supercars offer incredible acceleration and performance. Consider the Rimac Nevera or Automobili Pininfarina Battista, for example. Both hyper-EVs can rocket to 60 mph in less than two seconds and continue on to top speeds way north of 200 mph.

As impressive as this feat is, it does not quite match up to the visceral experience of getting behind the wheel of a combustion supercar and flooring the gas pedal. This is why many high-end manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari and Lamborghini, continue to explore the development of combustion engine supercars for their supercars.

Lamborghini Revuelto
With the hybrid Revuelto, Lamborghini is striking a balance between internal combustion and electric power.

Crucially, Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) still offer superior performance over electric powertrains in certain situations. For example, a combustion engine will typically perform better in high-speed conditions than an electric motor, which can struggle to maintain high speeds for long periods without overheating. Most electric performance cars cannot sustain their insane acceleration over repeated launches, something traditional combustion supercars do not have to struggle with.

Additionally, combustion engines are more versatile than electric motors. Combustion engine supercars can be fueled with gasoline, ethanol, or diesel, offering multiple options for drivers depending on their needs. For example, a driver looking to race in a specialized event might choose a different fuel (for more horsepower) than someone driving on the open road. This versatility is not yet possible with electric vehicles.

The Lotus Evija is another hotly anticipated electric hypercar

Another advantage of combustion engines is that they are easier and cheaper to repair or replace. While electric motors are incredibly reliable, if something does go wrong, they can be expensive and difficult to fix. Combustion engines, on the other hand, are widely used and understood, with many technicians and mechanics able to fix them.

Finally, Fossil-fuelled supercars could be expensive but, compared to their EV counterparts, are still generally more accessible (at least to those who can afford them). For now, electric supercars are mostly produced in limited numbers with astronomical price tags. The Rimac Nevera, with a price tag north of $2 million, is limited to 150 units. It is a similar scenario with the highly anticipated Lotus Evija, of which only 130 examples will be made, each costing $2.2 million.

It is a key reason why there will always be a demand for combustion engine supercars, at least for the foreseeable future.

At this point, it is safe to conclude that combustion supercars are not going away anytime soon. There will, however, come a time when the technology behind the development of electric supercars will allow for more large-scale production, affordability and an engaging driving experience. Until then, though, combustion engine supercars will continue to hold a leading place in the market.

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