What is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle?
4 Answers
An Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) refers to an electric vehicle that, based on a pure electric vehicle, adds an internal combustion engine to charge the power battery or directly drive the motor to extend the driving range, thereby overcoming the short driving range of pure electric vehicles. Advantages of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles: The advantages of extended-range electric vehicles include being eligible for green license plates, providing a good power experience at medium and low speeds, relatively lower fuel consumption compared to conventional fuel vehicles, and no range anxiety. Disadvantages of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles: The disadvantages lie in the inequality between charging efficiency and power output demand. Currently, the maximum speed of high-voltage DC fast charging is 80 kWh, while the power generation efficiency of the range extender usually does not exceed 40 kWh, with most staying within 30 kWh. However, the energy required for initial acceleration often exceeds 30 kWh, and during high-speed overtaking, even 80 kWh may not be sufficient.
A range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) is essentially an electric car where the wheels are driven solely by an electric motor, but it carries a small gasoline engine as a backup generator. This engine doesn't directly power the wheels—it only kicks in when the battery runs low, generating electricity to recharge the battery. This setup allows the car to run in pure electric mode for short distances (say, 50 to 100 km) and rely on the engine for extended trips of several hundred kilometers. Don't confuse it with a hybrid, though—in hybrids, the engine can directly drive the wheels, whereas in REEVs, the engine's only job is to generate power. After driving one for a while, I find it perfect for someone like me who frequently shuttles between urban and suburban areas—electric mode saves money and is eco-friendly, while the engine ensures no range anxiety when the battery's low. The downsides? A faint engine noise when it activates and possibly a slightly smaller trunk, but overall, it's much more fuel-efficient than a pure gasoline car and offers far greater peace of mind regarding range. Many brands now offer this type of vehicle, including some domestic automakers' latest models, blending the smoothness of electric power with the convenience of gasoline.
To put it simply, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) is a variant of an electric car. It has a battery that powers the motor and comes with a small engine that acts like a power bank. The engine doesn't directly drive the wheels but kicks in to generate electricity only when the battery is low, preventing you from getting stranded. Compared to pure electric vehicles, it offers a longer range (my car can go 80 km on pure electric mode and up to 500 km with the engine assisting), reducing reliance on frequent charging. As for hybrid vehicles, their engines directly drive the wheels, whereas the range extender's engine is solely for power generation. I think its advantage lies in reducing range anxiety, especially for long-distance travel or areas with limited charging infrastructure. I often use mine on highways—once the engine starts, fuel consumption isn't high (around 6 liters per 100 km), and it's quieter and more eco-friendly than a pure gasoline car. However, be aware that it's pricier (due to the complex battery and system) and requires slightly more maintenance. Ultimately, choosing one depends on your usage scenario: if your commute is short, a pure EV suffices; for someone like me who's always on the go, a range-extended car is a lifesaver—convenient and practical.
I understand that a range-extended electric vehicle is essentially an electric car equipped with an auxiliary engine dedicated to generating electricity, while the vehicle is driven by electric power. The biggest advantage of this design is the elimination of range anxiety—you can drive a certain distance purely on electricity, with the engine always ready as a backup, eliminating reliance on charging stations. This makes it much more flexible than a pure electric vehicle. It saves me money (electricity costs are lower in the city) and is more environmentally friendly (emissions are lower than gasoline cars). The downsides include slight engine noise and a higher price point. But overall, it strikes a good balance and is worry-free, making it suitable for frequent drivers.
