
Major automakers are set to resurrect a type of hybrid vehicle that seemed dead in the U.S. just a few years ago to meet a changing consumer demand landscape. Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are a form of plug-in hybrid that falls midway between traditional hybrids and full EVs. EREV cars and trucks rely on battery powered motors for propulsion (like an EV) but also have a relatively small gas engine to use as a generator to keep the batteries charged up (like a typical hybrid).
Main Idea: As EV sales slow, automakers including General Motors and Ram are bringing back extended-range hybrids that use batteries for driving and a small gas engine to extend range.
Key Points:
New EREV trucks and SUVs may still cost more than gas cars, and drivers without charging access may get less benefit from the electric side.
Toyota, GM, and Ram may offer longer-range options that ease range fear, save fuel, and give households a cheaper step toward EVs.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Major automaker discussed through the Chevy Volt and its earlier EREV history.
Central vehicle brand for the upcoming Ram 1500 EREV planned for market launch.
Named automaker used as a key comparison point through the Prius and hybrid strategy.
Used as the China example for EREV growth and high-range offerings.
Named automaker planning EREV versions of mid-sized SUVs.
Mentioned as the brand developing an EREV version of the Grand Wagoneer.
Brand under which Volkswagen plans to produce EREV pickup and SUV models.
Brand expected to sell Hyundai’s planned EREV models.
Comments here are the same thread shown when this article appears in The Pulse.
No comments on this article yet.
Sign in to commentCited for analysis on EREV cost advantages and production savings.
Named automaker considering offering EREV options in SUV lines.
Quoted for forecasting and industry analysis of hybrid production trends.