Drive Technology
Range Extender: Why the Technology Is Making a Comeback After Its Failure

By Hartmut Hammer | Translated by AI 6 min Reading Time

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A little over a decade ago, range-extender powertrains were supposed to be the solution to range anxiety—but they failed. The technology’s current resurgence, however, is based on entirely different premises.

Range Extender: In the BYD Dolphin, the parallel hybrid system operates almost exclusively using a series strategy.(Image: BYD)
Range Extender: In the BYD Dolphin, the parallel hybrid system operates almost exclusively using a series strategy.
(Image: BYD)

The new boom in Range Extender Electric Vehicles (REEVs) is primarily taking place in the Chinese market this time around, giving it even more momentum. In addition, automakers are designing their REEV concepts from the outset as dedicated electric vehicles with an additional range extender. Third, the new internal combustion engines are no longer stopgap solutions (such as the motorcycle engine in the 2013 BMW i3), but fully-fledged, modern powertrains offering high levels of comfort and efficiency.