Chinese EVs Use Extended-Range Tech to Attract U.S. Automakers
When shopping for a new car, you’ll encounter a host of acronyms. There are BEVs (battery electric vehicles), HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), and ICE (internal combustion engine) cars. Soon, U.S. consumers might see another option on dealer lots: EREVs, or extended-range electric vehicles. EREVs are a hybrid of sorts, blending a gas car and an electric vehicle, but they operate differently from traditional hybrids. The technology has been successful in China for years, and now, automakers in Europe and the United States are expressing interest, hoping this approach will encourage more drivers to switch from gas cars—provided it doesn’t add to consumer confusion.
EREV vs. Hybrids
An extended-range electric vehicle features an electric motor powered by a battery. It also incorporates an internal combustion engine that generates electricity when the battery runs low. EREVs can plug into any EV charger, even fast chargers, which can bring an EV battery to 80% charge in 20 minutes to an hour. This contrasts with hybrids in several ways.
Hybrid cars also have a gas engine and an electric motor, but the gas engine directly powers the wheels at higher speeds. HEVs also use regenerative braking to recharge the battery and never require plugging in. Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery and can be plugged in – but most aren’t compatible with fast chargers and charge more slowly.
