Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), which combine battery power with a gas engine for extended range, are quickly becoming the fastest-growing propulsion system in China, the world’s largest market for electric vehicles. Sales of EREVs have more than doubled over the past year, now accounting for 30% of the country’s plug-in hybrid sales. The vehicles are expected to arrive in the US next year, with Chrysler-parent Stellantis planning to launch the Ramcharger, an EREV version of its Ram 1500 pickup truck, boasting a 690-mile range.
Yuan, a 31-year-old Shanghai resident, explored pure electric vehicles from popular Chinese brands Nio and Xpeng but was concerned about range anxiety and charging convenience. He ultimately chose an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), which can travel over 600 miles on a charge thanks to a small internal combustion engine that recharges the battery. In May, he purchased a Li Auto L6, a five-seat SUV, for about $34,000, finding it a perfect solution for his needs.
EREVs address two major barriers to EV adoption: price and range anxiety. They can be charged like a conventional EV but also refueled with gas to power the onboard generator, extending driving range. This setup requires a smaller battery, reducing both the vehicle’s cost and weight. EREVs are seen as a practical solution, particularly for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, popular in the US market.
However, EREVs face challenges in the US, where regulators and environmentalists may view them as hybrids rather than true EVs. The Sierra Club, for instance, no longer considers hybrids green technology, and there are concerns EREVs could slow the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Despite this, some industry experts argue that EREVs offer a pragmatic approach to electric vehicle adoption, especially given the current limitations of charging infrastructure.
China currently leads in EREV technology, with companies like Li Auto dominating the market. Li Auto’s EREV sales surged by almost 47% in June, driven by demand for its L6 SUV. The company’s success highlights the global potential of plug-in hybrids, which are now the fastest-growing propulsion system, outpacing full electrics and traditional internal combustion engine cars.
