Comparison: electric hypercars vs. combustion engines - what does the future hold?
Introduction: The new era of hypercars
Hypercars have always stood for what is technically feasible, for speed, prestige and the constant battle for pole position in the luxury segment. For a long time, combustion engines dominated the scene - loud V12 monsters with a brute sound and explosive power. But with the advent of electromobility, we are experiencing a change: manufacturers such as Rimac, Lotus, Pininfarina and Tesla are shaking up the market with electric hypercars that are breaking traditional standards. But is electric really better? Or is the "soul" of the hypercar lost in the process?
In this article, we compare electric and combustion hypercars in terms of technology, performance, emotion and sustainability and take a look at the future.
Image source: By Calreyn88 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147533468
1. power & acceleration - electric shock with announcement
Combustion engines: high-end engines with soul
Combustion hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale or the Koenigsegg Jesko draw their power from complex, high-bred engines. Their acceleration is impressive - but no longer unrivaled compared to electric hypercars.
Example:
Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale (PHEV)
1030 HP
0-100 km/h in 2.3 seconds
Electric: Instant-Torque Revolution
Electric hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera or the Pininfarina Battista deliver brute torque from the first millimeter of pedal pressure. They often outperform even the most powerful combustion engines in terms of acceleration.
Example:
Rimac Nevera
1914 PS
0-100 km/h in 1.85 seconds
Conclusion: In terms of performance, electric hypercars are the new kings - at least when it comes to acceleration.
Performance: electric power vs. combustion engine tradition
Electric hypercars offer breathtaking acceleration values. Thanks to instantly available torque, models such as the Rimac Nevera deliver spectacular 0-100 km/h times of less than two seconds - figures that classic combustion engines can only dream of. At the same time, vehicles such as the Bugatti Chiron impress with incredible top speeds in excess of 400 km/h and a unique emotional driving experience.
Practical comparison: Rimac Nevera vs. Bugatti Chiron
2. range & suitability for everyday use - the sticking point for electric hypercars
Electric hypercars promise incredible acceleration, state-of-the-art technology and locally emission-free driving. However, despite all the enthusiasm, there is one critical point that repeatedly causes discussion: the range and suitability for everyday use. Especially when compared to classic hypercars with combustion engines, it becomes clear that the electric faction has to contend with certain challenges here. But how big is the difference really? And which developments could turn the tide?
The classic strength of combustion engines: range and refueling time
One of the big arguments in favor of hypercars with combustion engines is their long range combined with extremely short refueling times. With the right driving style, a powerful V8, V10 or V12 can often cover 400 to 600 kilometers at a stretch before running out of fuel.
More importantly, refueling usually takes no longer than 3-5 minutes. The vehicle is ready for use again in no time at almost any filling station worldwide - an invaluable advantage for tours through Europe, track days or spontaneous excursions.
Owners of super sports cars who enjoy traveling in particular appreciate this freedom. Getting back to 100% in just a few minutes means: no planning, no waiting, no range anxiety.
Electric hypercars: impressive in theory, limited in practice
Many modern electric hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera, Pininfarina Battista or the Lotus Evija offer impressive ranges on paper. Between 400 and 520 kilometers are possible, depending on the model and test cycle (WLTP or EPA). But how realistic are these figures in everyday life?
The range paradox with hypercars
Unlike everyday cars, a Hypercar is rarely driven at a steady speed on the highway. Instead, short bursts of acceleration, winding mountain passes and high speeds take their toll - especially on electric cars. Consumption increases exponentially under high loads. This means that the range of an electric hypercar can quickly drop to 150-200 km in sporty driving mode.
Example:
The Rimac Nevera is specified with a WLTP range of 490 km. However, with intensive use - e.g. on a race track - less than 200 km is realistic. The problem: a longer charging break is then required.
Charging times: The bottleneck of electric supersports
Even with high-end models with 800-volt systems and fast-charging capability of up to 350 kW, charging from 10 % to 80 % takes at least 15-30 minutes - under optimum conditions.
Important aspects of charging:
Battery preheating: For maximum charging performance, the battery often has to be brought up to operating temperature - this takes time.
Charging infrastructure: Not every charging station delivers 350 kW. Availability drops dramatically in rural regions.
Queues & defects: Anyone who travels a lot knows the problem: occupied or defective charging stations often make spontaneous trips a test of patience.
A combustion Hypercar can theoretically be fully charged (refueled) at any filling station within a few minutes - regardless of the weather, infrastructure or charging plan.
Suitability for everyday use: not just a question of range
Although the term "everyday usability" is always relative in the case of a Hypercar , it is becoming increasingly relevant - especially when you are spending six or even seven-figure sums on a vehicle.
Combustion engines in everyday life: flexible and proven
Refueling is possible anytime and anywhere.
No charging breaks necessary - ideal for longer journeys.
No restrictions in extreme temperatures (cold or heat).
Spontaneous use without planning: insert the key, start, drive off.
Electric hypercars in everyday life: dependent on preparation
Load planning required: Especially on longer journeys.
Weather dependency: Cold temperatures can drastically reduce the range.
Limited infrastructure: Especially for travel routes outside urban centers.
Another problem: home charging is not possible for every owner. If you park your vehicle in the underground garage of an apartment building or even in a parking garage, you cannot always use a private wallbox.
Weight & energy efficiency: invisible enemies of range
A major disadvantage of many electric hypercars is their high weight. The huge batteries, which are necessary for high ranges and performance, quickly weigh 600-800 kilograms. This pushes the total weight of some models to over 2 tons - a problem for range, handling and braking distance.
Example:
The Rimac Nevera weighs in at over 2150 kilograms - despite its carbon monocoque.
Comparable combustion engines such as the Koenigsegg Jesko or McLaren P1 weigh 500-700 kg less in some cases, which not only gives them an advantage on the racetrack, but also in terms of fuel consumption and energy requirements.
Innovations that give hope
Despite all the criticism, there are promising technologies that could solve the problem of range and suitability for everyday use in the long term:
Solid-state batteries:
This next generation of batteries promises double the energy density at half the weight. Production readiness is expected in the second half of the 2020s.Ultra-fast charging:
Tesla is working on 1 MW charging technologies. Porsche, Ionity and other providers are also developing 800+ volt networks.Range-optimized driving modes:
Some e-hypercars adapt aerodynamics, performance and recuperation to the driving style in order to maximize range.Lighter materials:
Carbon sandwich construction, 3D-printed titanium structure or magnesium components can help to reduce weight.
3. sound & emotion - goosebumps or silence?
If there's one thing that sets hypercars apart, it's not just their sheer power - it's the feeling they convey while driving. And the sound plays a central role in this. For many enthusiasts, the sound of an engine is more than just noise - it is music, character, even the soul of the vehicle. But what happens to this emotionality when hypercars become electric and therefore almost silent?
The combustion engine: an acoustic symphony
The roar of a V12 in the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the screech of a V10 in the Lexus LFA or the deep rumble of a bi-turbo V8 in the AMG GT Black Series - all these sounds trigger emotions even before you touch the accelerator pedal. The sound is immediate, raw and gives goose bumps - not only to the driver, but also to passers-by.
Over the decades, many manufacturers have developed entire sound signatures that are immediately recognizable. Anyone who has ever driven through a tunnel and heard the exhaust banging knows that sound is a central element of the driving experience.
Electric hypercars: silent giants
On the other hand, there are modern electric hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera, the Lotus Evija and the Pininfarina Battista. Their acceleration is unprecedented, their technology futuristic - but their background noise is... subtle. What may be pleasant in an everyday car can be disappointing in a Hypercar .
Although electric motors produce a certain whirring or howling sound - especially at high revs - they lack the organic, unpredictable component of a combustion engine. Some manufacturers are experimenting with artificial sound design, but many purists find this more artificial than exciting.
Emotion: More than just speed
The debate about sound is also a debate about emotion. A Hypercar is not just a means of transportation - it is an experience. And the sound is a crucial part of it. The silence of the electric world can even be perceived as alienating for some drivers: fast, but soulless?
For the new generation, on the other hand - characterized by technology, silence and efficiency - the quiet whirring of a 2000 hp e-engine could be just as fascinating as the roar of a combustion engine used to be. This is where generations, expectations and emotions collide.
4. environment & sustainability - the new benchmark
In the world of hypercars, environmental awareness was long considered a minor matter. Performance, speed and design were too dominant. However, the global focus on sustainability, CO₂ reduction and climate protection does not stop at the most exclusive vehicle segments. Today, manufacturers have to ask themselves the question: How "green" can a 1000 hp car actually be?
In this section, we look at the environmental impact of combustion and electric hypercars - from production and operation to disposal - and take a look at technologies and trends that aim to strike a balance between performance and environmental compatibility.
A comparison of the CO₂ balance: combustion engine vs. electric
Combustion hypercars: powerful, but emission-intensive
Classic hypercars such as the Ferrari 812 Superfast, Bugatti Chiron Super Sport or the Lamborghini Aventador are technical masterpieces, but also real CO₂ guzzlers. Many models consume 15-25 liters of Super Plus per 100 km - sometimes significantly more when driven in a sporty manner. CO₂ emissions are often over 300 g/km.
Example:
According to the factory specification, the Bugatti Chiron consumes around 22.5 liters/100 km, which corresponds to emissions of 516 g CO₂/km.
Although only a few hypercars are built - often in runs of less than 1000 units - their symbolic effect is huge. At a time when even SUV drivers are being urged to rethink, the carbon footprint of a combustion hypercar is difficult to justify.
Electric hypercars: emission-free on the road - but how sustainable?
Models such as the Rimac Nevera, the Lotus Evija or the Pininfarina Battista produce no local emissions when driving. However, the CO₂ footprint is generated elsewhere - primarily during production, especially of the batteries.
The production of large lithium-ion batteries is energy-intensive and causes high CO₂ emissions. Studies assume that the production of an average electric super sports car generates around twice as much CO₂ as a comparable combustion engine - mainly due to the battery pack, some of which have a capacity of over 120 kWh.
BUT: Over its entire service life, the electric car can perform significantly better thanks to emission-free driving and green energy - if the electricity comes from renewable sources.
Battery production & raw materials: the sore point of electromobility
The production of rechargeable batteries requires critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite. These are often extracted under questionable conditions - both ecologically and socially. Cobalt from the Congo in particular is criticized for child labour and environmental destruction.
Manufacturers such as Tesla, Rimac and Porsche are now focusing on transparent supply chains, recycling strategies and ethically responsible sources of supply, but there is still a long way to go.
Recycling and Second Life
The recycling of used batteries is a promising trend. Companies such as Northvolt, Redwood Materials and Umicore are developing processes with which valuable raw materials can be almost completely recovered. The so-called second-life concept - for example as stationary energy storage - also significantly extends the service life of e-batteries.
Sustainability in combustion engines: synthetic fuels as hope?
Some manufacturers - in particular Porsche with its project in Chile - are focusing on e-fuels, i.e. synthetically produced fuels that are generated using green electricity from CO₂ and water. These are intended to make combustion engines emission-neutral - at least in theory.
The hooks:
The efficiency is extremely poor (less than 20 %).
Production is expensive and is still in its infancy.
Availability is currently very limited.
E-fuels could become a niche solution for enthusiast vehicles in the future - but they are unlikely to reach mass production or everyday use.
Circular economy & materials
Modern Hypercar are increasingly relying on sustainable materials in production:
Recycled carbon instead of new production
Bio-based plastics for interiors
Leather alternatives such as Dinamica or vegan Alcantara
3D-printed components that reduce material waste
These measures not only improve the environmental balance, but are also increasingly seen as a sales argument for environmentally conscious buyers - even in the high-end segment.
Exemplary sustainability initiatives in the Hypercar
Rimac Automobili:
Operates a CO₂-neutral development center in Croatia with a focus on green energy and battery development.Lotus Cars (Evija):
Uses a platform designed for lightweight construction and efficiency, despite enormous power.Porsche (Mission X):
Combines hybrid technology with synthetic fuels and relies heavily on sustainable supply chains.Koenigsegg:
Develops combustion engines that can run on ethanol and even solar fuel.
5. innovation & technology - software instead of pistons
The world of hypercars was once dominated by pure mechanics: Pistons, camshafts, gearboxes with racing DNA - all tangible, all analog. But the tide has turned in recent years. Software, electronics and digital systems are increasingly taking control and turning modern hypercars into drivable supercomputers. Electric hypercars in particular are rapidly accelerating this development.
In this section, we take a closer look: What technologies are driving innovation? What are the differences between combustion and electric hypercars? And how is the driving experience changing in times of artificial intelligence, over-the-air updates and driving dynamics control 4.0?
Mechanics vs. digitalization - the paradigm shift
In the past, the focus was on perfecting mechanical components: lighter crankshafts, optimized air flow, variable valve timing, sequential gearboxes. Manufacturers such as Ferrari, McLaren and Pagani went to enormous lengths to get every last tenth out of the engine and chassis.
Today, innovation is shifting towards software and electronics. Modern control units, algorithms and sensors are taking over tasks that used to be solved purely mechanically. Whether traction control, torque vectoring or active aerodynamics - without software, many systems in today's hypercars would simply not be feasible.
Electric hypercars: digital dominance
The fusion of hardware and software is particularly pronounced in electric hypercars. Vehicles such as the Rimac Nevera or the Lotus Evija rely on digital control of each individual wheel - in real time. This is made possible by:
Individually controllable electric motors on each wheel
Sensor fusion (e.g. lidar, GPS, inertial sensors)
Real-time data analysis (up to 250 sensors per vehicle)
Over-the-air updates that unlock or improve new features
The result: precision and driving stability at an unprecedented level - even with over 1900 hp and 2300 Nm of torque.
Example: Torque vectoring in the Rimac Nevera
The all-wheel torque vectoring system in the Rimac Nevera analyzes a hundred times per second how much torque needs to be distributed to which wheel. Cornering, acceleration, braking manoeuvres - everything is permanently optimized. This ensures:
Maximum traction in any weather
Faster cornering times
More safety during extreme driving maneuvers
Without software and digital control, this form of performance would not be possible - especially not with so much power.
Active aerodynamics & chassis intelligence
Modern technology also plays a decisive role in the field of aerodynamics and chassis dynamics. Examples:
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport: Active rear wing that adapts to the driving situation - including airbrake function.
Koenigsegg Jesko: Adaptive dampers with GPS connection that "prepare" for bends and bumps.
Lotus Evija: Electronically controlled diffusers that increase downforce or reduce drag as required.
These systems make hypercars not only faster, but also more efficient and safer - a balancing act that was previously unthinkable.
Software features: The invisible progress
An often underestimated area of innovation is the vehicle software itself - beyond pure performance. More and more hypercars are offering features that originate from the tech or luxury segment:
Driver profiles & driving style analysis (e.g. "Drift Coach" for the Ford GT or Rimac Nevera)
Remote diagnostics & software updates via the mobile network
Cloud connection for driving data, maintenance statuses, track day logs
AI-supported safety systems, for example to prevent accidents
With electric hypercars such as the Battista or the Evija, updates can even unlock new driving modes or recuperation levels without the need for a workshop visit.
Hybrid systems: The bridge between two worlds
Brands such as Ferrari (SF90) and McLaren (Artura) are taking the middle way and combining classic combustion engines with electric drives and digital control systems. This results in particularly complex systems:
Electronically controlled clutches for force distribution
Integrated brake force recuperation
E-booster for boost pressure without turbo lag
Dynamic power delivery based on driver input and driving situation
The advantage: emotion meets efficiency, and the driver benefits from both worlds - sound and software, performance and control.
Future trends: Where is the journey heading?
AI-controlled driving assistants: systems that learn the driver's behavior and adapt it individually.
Autonomous driving on trackdays: cars that can drive perfect lap times at the touch of a button - or coach the driver.
Connected vehicles: hypercars that communicate with infrastructure, other vehicles or even race tracks.
VR integration & AR displays: Real-time data in the field of vision, can be combined with driver avatars or telemetry.
These technologies could fundamentally change the Hypercar- away from pure muscle power and towards an intelligent driving experience.
The future is digital
Whether Ferrari, Rimac, Koenigsegg or Lotus - if you want to play in the hypercar league today, there's no getting around digital technology. The days when horsepower and engine capacity were the only things that mattered are over. Instead, software beats pistons - at least in many disciplines.
For enthusiasts, this does not necessarily mean a loss - on the contrary: the precision, safety and versatility made possible by technology takes the riding experience to a whole new level. And who knows - the future might even sound better than you think.
6. outlook for the future - what will the next 10 years bring?
The Hypercar is at a turning point. While mechanical perfection and brute power used to be the only indicators of exclusivity, new criteria are now at the forefront: sustainability, digitalization, alternative drives and intelligent systems. But what can we expect in the next ten years? Will the classic combustion engine disappear for good? Will hypercars drive autonomously at some point? And what role will artificial intelligence, synthetic fuels and new materials play?
In this outlook, we take an in-depth look at possible developments, technologies and trends that could shape the Hypercar up to 2035.
1. the end of the pure combustion engine
The political framework speaks for itself: the EU is planning to ban new registrations of vehicles with CO₂ emissions from 2035, and other regions are following suit. Although there are exemptions for e-fuels, it is becoming increasingly difficult to bring purely petrol-powered hypercars onto the market - both from a regulatory and social perspective.
Probable development:
Pure combustion engines will die out.
Manufacturers are focusing on hybrids (PHEV) or fully electric drives.
Exotics such as Koenigsegg, which are still developing their own high-performance combustion engines, will remain exceptions - with a focus on collectors and niche markets.
Conclusion: The future of hypercars will be electrified - in whole or in part.
2. the rise of electric hypercars
The Rimac Nevera has shown the way: electric hypercars are not only powerful on paper - they also dominate the racetrack. A veritable boom in high-end electric models can be expected over the next ten years.
Expected trends:
Solid-state batteries with higher energy density and shorter charging times (less than 10 minutes).
All-wheel electric drive with individually controllable motors for maximum control.
Ultra-efficient aerodynamics for range optimization.
Software updates that improve vehicles for years to come.
Manufacturers such as Lotus, Pininfarina, Tesla and Rimac are already fully committed to electric power. Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren are also working on fully electric models, albeit cautiously.
3. hybrids as a bridging technology
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will play a central role in the transition phase up to full electrification. They combine the emotions of the combustion engine with the advantages of the electric motor and enable locally emission-free driving.
Examples of current developments:
Ferrari SF90 Stradale & XX Version
McLaren Artura
Aston Martin Valhalla
These vehicles show that hybrid does not mean sacrifice, but added value through technology. In the next ten years, hybrids could even become the preferred design for limited hypercars - especially as long as the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is not yet reliable worldwide.
4. e-fuels: salvation for the combustion engine?
E-fuels, i.e. synthetic fuels, could be an alternative to electrification - at least for collectors and enthusiasts. They are produced from CO₂ and water using renewable energy and are considered climate-neutral in operation.
Advantages:
Use of existing motors possible.
No conversion of the infrastructure necessary.
Ideal solution for classic cars and limited hypercars.
Challenges:
Very high production costs.
Poor efficiency.
Still low availability.
Forecast: E-fuels will not be a mass solution, but a possible way to be able to legally operate combustion hypercars in the future - as automotive cultural assets.
5. artificial intelligence & autonomous driving
Even if the idea of an autonomous hypercar seems absurd at first, the integration of AI systems is already a reality. They optimize handling, stability, safety and efficiency. In the future, we could even see tangible AI assistance systems that coach the driver on the racetrack or drive perfect laps independently.
Examples of future applications:
"Track Coach" systems that improve the line.
Real-time adjustment of driving modes based on environmental data.
Virtual co-pilots with feedback function.
Semi-autonomous parking or maneuvering - practical in tight collector garages.
The bottom line: hypercars remain fun to drive, but are becoming more intelligent - with software that takes the experience to a new level.
6. new materials & construction methods
Over the next ten years, the use of materials in hypercars will also be revolutionized. The goals: less weight, more sustainability and greater stability. This is made possible by:
3D-printed titanium or aluminum parts
Recycled carbon
Nanomaterials with adaptive properties
Lightweight construction through sandwich structures
These materials enable less mass with higher performance, which benefits range, dynamics and efficiency - especially in electric vehicles.
7. digitalization & individualization
A key trend: digital individualization. In future, buyers of hypercars will not only configure the interior or paintwork, but also digital vehicle characteristics:
Sound profiles (e.g. artificial engine sound)
User interfaces, driving modes, app designs
Exclusive software features for collectors
In addition, many models can be connected to a smartphone to synchronize settings, evaluate route data or use social features (e.g. "Top Lap Rankings").
Conclusion: the Hypercar will be versatile, digital and electric
The next ten years will change the Hypercar more than any decade before. The classic combustion engine will become a rarity, with electrification and digitalization dominating the scene. At the same time, a new variety of innovations is opening up: intelligent driving assistants, high-tech materials, cloud systems and sustainable solutions.
What remains is the goal of all hypercars: to push the limits of what is technically feasible, to redefine the boundaries of what is possible - and to generate emotions at the highest level.
