Summary
- Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) work by running on all-electric power provided by an electric motor, with a small internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate additional power when the battery is discharged
- EREVs are designed to operate in full-electric mode for most daily driving, reducing range limitations and offering clean and energy-efficient transportation
- EREVs are more fuel-efficient than conventional ICE vehicles, with a smaller engine that operates at a constant, efficient speed
- EREVs are different from plug-in hybrids, as they use an engine to generate electricity to power the motors, while plug-in hybrids use their engines to drive the wheels and generate electricity
- Examples of EREVs currently available in the market include models from Scout Motors, XPeng, Stellantis, and Mazda, offering a longer range and a bridge between traditional ICE vehicles and full electrification.
Article
Extended range electric vehicles (EREVs) are becoming popular due to their all-electric power provided by an electric motor, along with a small internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate additional power. EREVs work by discharging the battery to a certain level, triggering the ICE to turn on and run a generator to supply power to the motor or recharge the battery. This setup allows for extended range EVs to operate in full-electric mode most of the time, reducing the perceived range limitations of battery EVs.
One of the main benefits of EREVs is their ability to diminish range anxiety that often comes with battery EVs. EREVs are clean and energy-efficient when operating in full-electric mode, similar to battery EVs, but can also rely on the ICE for longer road trips to keep the battery charged. The ICE in an EREV is smaller than that in a conventional ICE vehicle, operating at a constant and efficient rotation speed to meet average power demands and deliver peak power through the battery pack.
While battery EVs have large and heavy battery packs, advances are being made in battery technology with the introduction of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Some manufacturers have opted for smaller batteries in EVs to reduce weight, but this has led to range anxiety for some drivers. Hybrids provide an alternative with two powertrains for electric and gasoline power, but they come with their own drawbacks such as heavier builds and increased tire wear.
There are relatively few EREV models available on the market currently, with manufacturers like Scout Motors, XPeng, Stellantis, Mazda, and Hyundai offering EREV vehicles with varying ranges and powertrains. China is a key player in the EREV movement, with companies like XPeng focusing on developing EREV systems for their electric vehicles. Despite the push towards full electrification in the future, EREVs continue to be a good choice for drivers who may be hesitant to go fully electric due to charging network concerns.
Overall, EREVs offer a unique combination of electric power and ICE assistance that addresses the range limitations of battery EVs while providing energy-efficient and clean driving experiences. With advancements in battery technology and the development of new EREV models, the market for extended range electric vehicles is expected to grow as more drivers consider these vehicles as a bridge to full electrification.
Read the full article here
