DTC P2601-00: Coolant Pump 'A' Control Circuit Range/Perfromance: General Description

The traditional water pump takes mechanical, rotational energy from the engine and uses it to drive an internal pump mechanism. An electric water pump doesn't need belt power. Instead, it runs on battery power.

An electric water pump, conversely, allows the manufacturer to set how much coolant courses through the engine at given temperature ranges. So it's actually more efficient and more in tune with your engine's specific cooling needs.