What does a range-extended electric vehicle mean?
2 Answers
Range-extended electric vehicles refer to vehicles directly driven by electric motors, where the engine does not participate in driving and lacks mechanical devices such as clutches or transmissions. When the battery power is insufficient, the engine is used to generate electricity to charge the battery, operating within the optimal speed range, and the battery then provides energy to the motor that directly drives the vehicle. Advantages of range-extended electric vehicles: 1. They can operate in pure electric mode, requiring a smaller battery capacity, eliminating the risk of running out of power and breaking down; 2. The battery charging power is low, eliminating the need for large-scale charging infrastructure; 3. They can operate in plug-in hybrid mode, further improving fuel efficiency beyond traditional hybrid vehicles; 4. They have a simple structure, direct motor drive, and are easy to maintain and industrialize.
I previously drove an extended-range electric vehicle, and it felt like a pure electric car with a small engine added as a backup generator. The battery powers the electric motor to propel the vehicle, and when the battery is nearly depleted, the small engine automatically starts to generate electricity, either recharging the battery or directly supplying power to the motor to keep it running. However, the engine never directly drives the wheels. This design provides an exceptionally long range, eliminating range anxiety on long trips and making it more practical than a pure electric vehicle. On one trip I took, the battery lasted only about 200 kilometers, but after the engine kicked in, it extended the range by another 300+ kilometers, with the ability to refuel with gasoline. The downsides are some noise during operation and slightly more complicated maintenance. However, the savings on electricity and reduced fuel costs (about half) make it quite cost-effective overall. Importantly, it reduces carbon emissions without relying on engine propulsion like plug-in hybrids, truly enabling a zero-emission urban lifestyle with low anxiety for long-distance travel.
