In this work, four different semi-active controllers for a quarter of vehicle and full vehicles are evaluated and compared when used in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles vs electric vehicles (EVs) with in-wheel motor configuration as a way to explore the use of semi-active suspension systems in this kind of EVs. First, the quarter of vehicle vertical dynamics is analyzed and then a full vehicle approach explores the effectiveness of the control strategies and the effects of the traction in the vertical Control performances. Aspects like the relation between traction and suspension performances, and the resonance frequencies are also discussed.