What are the disadvantages of range-extended electric vehicles?

[ClaraLee]

1. Power wastage. Since the engine and generator do not directly drive the wheels, this part of the power is wasted, while the weight brought by the engine and generator is not reduced. For example: a range-extended plug-in hybrid vehicle has an engine power of 50KW, a generator power of 50KW, and a motor power of 100KW. The vehicle carries a total power of 200KW from the engine and motor, but the power that can drive the wheels is only 100KW. 2. Higher fuel consumption under highway conditions. This is because under highway conditions, if the engine directly drives the wheels, it can always operate in the optimal working mode. However, the range-extended plug-in hybrid has an additional conversion process, and the conversion itself consumes energy, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

[DeLillian]

I've been driving a range-extended electric vehicle for two years and have noticed quite a few drawbacks. The most frustrating part is the high initial cost – the new car price is significantly higher than pure electric vehicles, and that extra money could cover my fuel expenses for several years. Additionally, the vehicle's weight has increased considerably with both the battery and small engine installed, making it feel much less agile when parking or turning corners, almost clumsy. Maintenance is even more troublesome; when either system fails, you have to repair both. Just last week, I spent 2,000 yuan fixing the range extender. The space has also shrunk – the trunk is smaller, making it difficult to fit even a suitcase. Moreover, on long trips, when the range extender kicks in, the noise is a constant hum, significantly reducing driving comfort. Overall, saving on electricity doesn’t necessarily mean saving money, and it’s more suitable for short-distance drivers who occasionally go on suburban trips.

[McJayce]

I tried my friend's range-extended electric car, which is trendy but not practical. The biggest drawback is the economic issue—you end up spending money on both sides: electricity prices rise, making charging expensive, and high fuel prices make refueling painful. The maintenance costs are surprisingly high, requiring servicing for both the motor and engine every six months, with labor and parts adding up to over a thousand extra. There's also an environmental contradiction: it's fine in the city on pure electric mode, but once on the highway, the range extender burns fuel and pollutes the air, falling short of the zero emissions of pure EVs. In daily driving, the vehicle's overall weight is heavy, acceleration is sluggish, and braking distance is longer, compromising safety slightly. Once the battery is depleted, you must refuel, and forgetting to charge can be awkward, making convenience far from ideal.

[Harvey]

I was quite disappointed after driving a range-extended electric vehicle myself. The drawbacks are obvious: the price is too high, with the entry-level model costing over 300,000 yuan, much more expensive than regular electric vehicles. The increased weight makes the ride bumpy, with significant vibrations even when going over speed bumps. Maintenance is also complicated; last time I had to repair it, a faulty component in the range extender took a whole week to fix. On long trips, it consumes a lot of fuel, with fuel consumption nearly matching that of an SUV, making it neither cost-effective nor efficient. The space is compromised, making rear passengers uncomfortable. Overall, this car is suitable for short commutes, but in reality, it comes with a host of problems.

[DiJoseph]

I've driven a range-extended electric vehicle, and the financial burden is a significant issue. The purchase price is at least 100,000 RMB higher than a regular electric vehicle, and insurance costs have also risen considerably. The long-term costs are even more of a headache—maintaining a dual system adds over 2,000 RMB annually to maintenance expenses, and replacing parts is troublesome. In terms of fuel consumption, the hybrid mode is inefficient, and cumulative refueling costs far exceed expectations. Additionally, the increased vehicle weight affects handling, making turns and emergency braking less safe. Space utilization is poor, with a shrunken trunk that makes loading luggage difficult. In short, while it may seem impressive initially, the actual usage results in substantial losses.

[Aliyah]

I've been driving a range-extended electric vehicle for a while, and the drawbacks mainly focus on the driving experience. The noticeable increase in vehicle weight results in sluggish acceleration in urban areas, unstable high-speed cornering, and a floating body sensation. The noise level is also high, with the range extender's engine producing an annoying buzzing sound when activated, which disrupts music listening or conversations. Maintenance costs are complex, with two systems requiring frequent servicing intervals, doubling repair expenses. In terms of space, the range extender takes up room, leaving rear passengers with limited legroom. Economically, it's not cost-effective: the pure electric range is short, requiring frequent refueling, and long-distance fuel costs can be twice as high as pure electric. Overall, comfort and convenience are compromised, making it less worry-free than pure electric vehicles.