Best Car for Heavy Traffic - EV vs Hybrid vs ICE Analysis

If you spend long periods stuck in urban congestion, picking the appropriate vehicle can significantly affect your budget, comfort, and even the environment. Today, there are three primary choices — Electric Vehicles (EVs), Smart or Strong Hybrids, and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars — but which one truly performs best when streets are clogged? Let’s find out.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

For stop-and-go driving, electric vehicles (EVs) have the edge thanks to three key factors.

No fuel wastage: EVs don’t consume fuel while idling, and they recover energy during braking through regenerative systems, making them very energy-efficient.
Lower running expenses: Charging an EV tends to cost less than filling up with petrol or diesel, and with fewer moving components compared to an engine, maintenance demands are reduced.
Quiet and smooth: EVs glide through traffic quietly, resulting in a calmer, less noisy, and less fatiguing drive.

If charging points are readily accessible, an EV is the ideal pick for city travel, but always monitor the battery level. If it’s under 40%, remember to charge before you head out.

Smart or Strong Hybrids: The Best Middle Ground

If you’re hesitant about going fully electric, a strong hybrid is a solid compromise.

Efficient in traffic: These cars automatically switch to electric mode at low or steady speeds and when the vehicle is cruising, conserving fuel during traffic jams and delivering excellent mileage.
Comfortable ride: The experience is peaceful and relaxed, with seamless transitions between electric and petrol power.
No charging concerns: Unlike EVs, hybrids can be refueled anywhere and offer a driving range that can exceed that of typical petrol or diesel cars.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars: The Old School Choice

Conventional petrol or diesel cars, or ICE vehicles, are the least efficient in heavy traffic for four reasons.

Fuel waste: The engine continues to burn fuel even when idling or moving slowly.
Higher expenses: Stop-and-go conditions hurt fuel economy, and routine upkeep like oil changes adds to maintenance costs.
Noisier and less comfortable: In ICE cars, persistent vibrations or gear shifts in manuals can make lengthy commutes more draining.
Pollution: ICE vehicles emit considerable pollutants that worsen air quality.

The sole real benefit of an ICE car is a lower purchase price, but you’ll likely spend more on fuel and upkeep over time.