The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is taking an unexpected turn in a bid to boost range.
Just as automakers have spent years trying to eliminate petrol (gasoline) engines, some are now putting them back into electric cars — but with a twist.
Just as automakers have spent years trying to eliminate petrol (gasoline) engines, some are now putting them back into electric cars — but with a twist.
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| Petrol engines may give EV charging a boost. |
Companies like Hyundai, Ford and Stellantis are developing extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that use a petrol engine not to directly drive the wheels, but to generate electricity when the battery runs low.
The idea is simple: Deliver the smooth, instant performance of an EV while eliminating one of the biggest concerns about electric cars—range anxiety.
What Is an extended-range EV?
An EREV looks and drives much like a conventional battery-powered EV. Its wheels are driven by electric motors, while a smaller petrol engine acts as an onboard generator.
When the battery has sufficient charge, the vehicle operates like a normal EV. Once the battery turns low, the petrol engine starts generating electricity to keep the vehicle moving and extend its range.
This makes an EREV different from many traditional hybrids, where the combustion engine can mechanically contribute to driving the wheels.
For consumers, the attraction is obvious: Electric driving for everyday journeys, plus petrol-powered backup for long trips.
Carmakers see a new opportunity
The technology is gaining momentum as automakers rethink their EV strategies amid slower electric-vehicle sales in the US and changes to government incentives.
Stellantis plans EREV versions of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500, with the vehicles promising driving ranges of as much as 690 miles or 1,100 km.
Hyundai and Genesis are planning range-extended models from 2027, while Ford is considering bringing the F-150 Lightning back with EREV technology.
For large SUVs and pickup trucks, the proposition is particularly compelling.
These vehicles require substantial battery capacity for long-distance travel and towing, making a purely electric powertrain expensive and heavy.
A range extender could reduce the need for an enormous battery while retaining electric performance.
Could range extenders solve EV range anxiety?
Range anxiety has long been one of the biggest psychological barriers to EV adoption. Even drivers who rarely travel hundreds of miles may hesitate to buy an EV because of the possibility of being stranded far from a charger. EREVs attack that problem directly.
Instead of searching for a fast charger on a long road trip, drivers could simply refuel at a conventional petrol station and continue driving.
At the same time, most daily journeys could still be completed using electricity.
The technology, therefore, represents a compromise between two worlds: The driving experience of an EV and the refuelling convenience of a petrol car.
E-Vroooom’s views
But there is a catch
EREVs are unlikely to be a magic solution. Adding a petrol engine, fuel system and generator increases mechanical complexity, weight and cost.
There is also a marketing challenge. Consumers may wonder why they should buy an EV that still contains an internal-combustion engine (ICE) — or simply choose a conventional hybrid instead.
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The future of electric mobility, it seems, may not be completely electric just yet.
Still, as automakers search for ways to make EVs more practical and attractive, the range extender could become an important middle ground.
The future of electric mobility, it seems, may not be completely electric just yet.
Still, as automakers search for ways to make EVs more practical and attractive, the range extender could become an important middle ground.
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