Abstract This study was conducted to analyse, compare, and evaluate the ongoing transition in the automotive industry from vehicles powered by the conventional internal combustion engines to battery powered electric vehicles. More specifically with a focus on the maintenance of the functionality and practicality currently associated with the benchmark modern road vehicle. For investigation purposes, an analytical model was developed initially from the fundamental equations of motion, which was then processed using PTC Mathcad Prime 6.0.0.0 in conjunction with Microsoft Excel. The analytical model was used to perform a case study on an electric vehicle and two equivalent internal combustion vehicles operating on petrol and diesel. The analysis conducted highlighted both positive and negative factors of the alternative design of the electric vehicle on its performance relative to the equivalent internal combustion vehicle. The forces affecting motion were found to be substantially increased when compared to an equivalent ICEV and the maximum achievable range was found to be significantly lower. However, the torque-speed characteristics of the electric vehicle were far closer to the ideal and the energy consumption process was also more efficient. From the results of the investigation, it was concluded that there are only a small number of limitations related to the performance of the electric vehicle, but that the mass adoption of the electric vehicle in society is unlikely to be successful until these limitations have been eliminated.