Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) offer certain manufacturing benefits, according to Steven Ewing, who oversees editorial content at Edmunds. Although specific details on Scout production are limited, reports indicate that the Ramcharger utilizes components and technology currently employed by Stellantis in other vehicles. Ewing points out that EREVs don’t require the introduction of a completely new propulsion system. However, a downside to EREVs, as well as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), is the inherent cost of incorporating two powertrains within a single vehicle.
Some climate advocates, who prioritize the quick transition to battery electric vehicles to help mitigate climate change, argue that EREVs might contribute to a cleaner transportation system despite incorporating gasoline. Kathy Harris, leader of the clean vehicles policy program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, acknowledges that while the ultimate goal is fully electric vehicles, the present availability of EREVs can cater to drivers hesitant about a complete switch to electric. These vehicles could serve as an interim solution while a comprehensive charging network is developed.
EREVs may present lower emissions compared to their PHEV counterparts since they prevent drivers from opting to bypass charging entirely in favor of gasoline. This behavior in PHEVs has raised concerns among researchers regarding the real-life emissions performance of many plug-in vehicles. Although not everyone is convinced of automakers’ claims regarding “bridge technology,” some researchers recognize the potential utility of EREVs, particularly in heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs that require significant battery power for movement, especially when towing or hauling. The technology could address concerns from certain Ford F-150 Lightning owners who struggle to balance work requirements and the electric vehicle’s charging limitations. EREVs might be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with driving habits that entail long daily distances, as noted by Gil Tal, director of the Electric Vehicle Research Center at UC Davis.
Historically, vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt in 2010 represented General Motors’ entry into modern EV technology, marketed as a PHEV though technically an EREV. Jaguar’s planned 2010 C-X75 concept never reached full production, despite its appearance in the film Spectre. A few years later, BMW offered a range extender option with the i3 EV, but consumer uptake was limited. The dynamics began to shift in China when Li Auto introduced the range-extended SUV, Li One, in 2019. Initially, EREVs comprised 1 percent of PHEV sales. By 2023, Li Auto’s success contributed to EREVs comprising 28 percent of PHEV sales and accounting for 9 percent of all electric vehicle sales in China. Corey Cantor, an analyst with BloombergNEF, reports that this technology has undergone a rapid transformation.
