Extended Range Electric Vehicles - A quick guide

By now most of you are probably familiar with the terms EVs (electric vehicle) and the many kinds of hybrids such as PHEVs (plug-in-hybrid vehicles), HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), and the like. However, some may not have heard of the term EREV which stands for extended-range-electric vehicle.

EREVs are similar to PHEVs wherein they use a combination of both electric and internal combustion to power a vehicle, however, that’s where their similarities end. Despite this, while EREVs are a whole different kind of animal from PHEVs, their process of providing propulsion is easy to understand. To put it simply, in an EREV, the function of providing power to the wheels is left to the electric powertrain while a small engine is employed to generate additional electricity for the battery. 

However, there’s more to learn about EREVs than what we mentioned earlier so we’ll be dedicating this article to discuss how an EREV works.

As stated earlier EREVs are a type of electric vehicle designed to primarily operate on electric power while having a backup gasoline engine that extends its driving range. EREVs are powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, similar to a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). However, unlike BEVs, which rely solely on battery power, EREVs come with a small internal combustion engine that functions as a generator when the battery is low. This generator doesn’t directly drive the wheels; instead, it recharges the battery to provide additional electric power.

In short? No. But, it's kind of confusing.

An EREV and a series hybrid vehicle share similarities in that both use a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE). However, their primary distinctions lie in their operational focus and the role of the ICE. In an EREV, the vehicle is designed to operate as a purely electric vehicle for as long as the battery has a charge. The ICE in an EREV functions mainly as a backup generator; when the battery is depleted, the engine kicks in to generate electricity and extend the range. In addition, EREVs typically have a higher capacity battery than series hybrids which means the ICE is mostly dormant for most of the time.

A great example of an EREV is the Hunter EREV from Changan which utilizes a 1.18 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery along with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that keeps it topped up. Because it's an EREV, the 2.0-liter motor only comes to life when it senses that the battery is about to run out. After it charges the battery, the engine shuts off and waits for when the battery will need juice again.

On the other hand, while a series hybrid also uses an electric motor for propulsion, its energy is not restricted to the battery only. The battery in a series hybrid is usually smaller compared to an EREV and lacks a substantial all-electric range. The ICE kicks in more frequently than in an EREV to maintain battery charge and sustain the vehicle’s power needs. While this setup allows for the feel of electric propulsion, series hybrids generally prioritize fuel efficiency and reduced emissions over a long all-electric range. 

An EREV offers several advantages, particularly for drivers looking to maximize electric driving without sacrificing long-distance capability. Since EREVs are designed to operate primarily on electric power, they enable drivers to complete shorter trips without using any fuel, significantly reducing fuel costs and emissions for daily commutes or city driving. The presence of a gasoline engine that acts as a generator mitigates range anxiety thanks to the additional safety net fuel stations provide.

In terms of NVH or Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, though EREVs cannot compete with EVs in the noise department, because the engine is only there to generate electricity, it doesn’t produce as much noise as an ICE car. 

While EREVs provide a great balance between ICE and EVs, they’re not perfect. Due to the dual powertrain (electric motor and internal combustion engine), EREVs tend to be heavier and more complex than traditional electric vehicles, which can reduce efficiency and increase manufacturing costs. 

As such, all this complexity can also make EREVs more expensive to purchase compared to standard hybrids or fully electric vehicles which have been around longer. The smaller gasoline engine in an EREV may not provide the same performance and power as a larger engine, especially at higher speeds where electric powertrains tend to consume the most power. Lastly, because they still rely on gasoline, EREVs do not achieve the same zero-emission status as fully electric vehicles, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious drivers looking to eliminate fossil fuel use entirely.

In the Philippines, EVs and hybrids are only beginning to gain traction. EREVs, meanwhile, are not yet available at the time of writing. Don’t worry though as series hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the Nissan Kicks e-POWER and the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i are on the market, offering similar benefits and a comparable driving experience to EREVs.

To explore these models, visit the AutoDeal Car Guide, where you can view detailed specifications, check prices, and connect with sales agents—all in one convenient platform.