Range Extenders for EVs

Unlocking the Potential of Electric Vehicles with Range Extenders

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen immense advancements in recent years, thanks to improved battery technology and charging infrastructure, making them more convenient and practical for everyday use. Despite these developments, range anxiety has remained a persistent challenge for EVs, where drivers fear running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. To overcome this concern, some electric vehicles are now incorporating range extenders, a technological innovation that promises to further enhance the appeal of EVs.

Understanding Range Extenders

Range extenders, also known as onboard generators or electric vehicle range-extenders (EVRx), are additional power sources integrated into some electric vehicles. They operate independently of the vehicle’s primary electric propulsion system and can activate when the battery’s state of charge (SoC) falls below a certain level.

How Range Extenders Operate

1. Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs): Most range extenders are internal combustion engines, using petrol, ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, or small gas turbines to generate electricity and recharge the vehicle’s battery, adding to its range.
2. Generators: Range extender engines are linked with generators that convert mechanical energy into electrical power, which can either directly power the electric motor or recharge the battery.
3. Automatic Operation: Range extenders are designed to operate automatically, activating when the battery’s SoC falls below a specific threshold to provide supplemental driving range.

Advantages of Range Extenders

1. Increased Range: The primary benefit of range extenders is the significant extension of the driving range of electric vehicles, catering to those who frequently travel long distances or reside in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
2. Reduced Range Anxiety: Range extenders eliminate range anxiety, making EVs more appealing to a broader range of consumers who can enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without the worry of finding charging stations.
3. Flexibility: Range extenders provide an alternative to purely battery-dependent EVs, particularly beneficial in extreme weather or challenging terrain where battery efficiency may be affected.
4. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): For some drivers, the total cost of ownership of a range-extended EV might be more favorable than a conventional gasoline vehicle due to lower operating costs and potential incentives for electric vehicles.

Examples of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles

ABOVE: Example of a range extender supplied as standard on a Chinese Affordable EV.

Several mainstream automakers have embraced the concept of range extenders in their EV offerings, but these cars do not fit into our niche of Affordable EVs as all are above 25,000 USD:

1. Chevrolet Volt: A pioneer in range-extended EVs, featuring a gasoline engine that acted as a generator when the battery was depleted.
2. BMW i3 REx: Equipped with a small gasoline engine that functions as a range extender, providing the driver with an extra option.
3. Kia Niro EV: Offers a variant with a range extender using a small internal combustion engine to recharge the battery when it’s low.
4. Fisker Ocean: An upcoming electric SUV by Fisker expected to offer a range extender option for an extended driving range.
5. Many affordable electric vehicles from China offer range extenders as an option and some include them as standard in all their models.

While range extenders have clear advantages, they also come with trade-offs, such as increased complexity and emissions when using fossil fuels. The choice between a pure electric vehicle and one with a range extender depends on individual driving needs and environmental considerations.

Range extenders act as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and full electric vehicles, addressing range anxiety and making electric mobility more accessible. With advancing technology, we can expect even more innovative solutions for extending the range of electric vehicles, further accelerating the transition to a sustainable transportation future.