As electric vehicle (EV) adoption faces hurdles like range anxiety and charging infrastructure gaps, automakers are turning to extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) to bridge the gap. A recent NBC News report highlights how EREVs, a type of plug-in hybrid, offer a practical solution by combining electric propulsion with a small gas engine, delivering impressive ranges that could appeal to EV enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

What Are EREVs and How Do They Work?

EREVs sit between traditional plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs, relying primarily on battery-powered motors for propulsion while using a gas engine as a generator to charge the battery. Unlike PHEVs like the Toyota Prius, which use larger gas engines directly tied to the drivetrain, EREVs prioritize electric driving with bigger batteries and smaller gas engines.

The Chevy Volt, a pioneer EREV, hit the U.S. market in 2011, selling 157,000 units over nine years before GM discontinued it in 2019. Other early models, like the BMW i3 et Cadillac ELR, followed but saw limited success.

The technology addresses a key pain point: range. The upcoming Ram 1500 EREV pickup, set for release in early 2026, boasts a class-leading 690 miles of total range using both its battery and gas engine. This outstrips most full EVs, which often average 250–350 miles per charge.

Automakers Revive Erevs To Tackle The Future Of Electric Driving

New EREV Models Signal Industry Shift

Automakers are betting on EREVs to meet consumer demand for longer ranges without the charging hassle. Hyundai plans to release a new version of its mid-sized SUVs, these EREV are targeting over 560 miles of range.

Under the Scout brand name, Volkswagen will introduce EREV pickups and SUVs starting in 2027, while Nissan is exploring EREV options for its mid-size and larger SUVs.

A Nissan spokesperson noted, “They do offer advantages versus 100% EVs when it comes to hauling and towing,” highlighting benefits like “greater driving range without the need for a large capacity battery, as well as faster refueling.”

En Chine, where EREVs are gaining traction, BYD offers mid-sized sedans with over 1,300 miles of range, showcasing the technology’s potential to ease range anxiety in regions with abundant gas stations but sparse charging networks.

Why EREVs Are Making a Comeback

The resurgence of EREVs stems from practical and economic factors. James Martin, director of consulting services at S&P Global Mobility, explained, “EREVs use smaller and less expensive batteries than full EVs,” which helps manufacturers “keep their expenses down.” EREVs are also less complex than PHEVs, which require two propulsion systems to work together, whereas EREVs rely solely on electric motors for driving.

Range anxiety remains a major barrier to EV adoption.

Senior vice president of research and chief innovation officer at the Center for Automotive Research, K. Venkatesh Prasad, stated, “Range anxiety is still a factor when it comes to choosing an electric vehicle over an internal combustion vehicle.”

EREVs address this by offering over 100 miles on battery power alone, with hundreds more using gasoline, making them a versatile option for EV owners in areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Economic and Consumer Benefits

EREVs could also save consumers money. A McKinsey report cited in the NBC article notes that smaller EREV batteries can cut powertrain production costs by up to $6,000 compared to full EVs.

Additionally, EREVs retain value better than EVs, which depreciate 58.9% after five years, compared to 40.7% for hybrids, according to iSeeCars research. This resale advantage, combined with lower upfront costs, makes EREVs an attractive stepping stone for EV-curious buyers.

As charging infrastructure lags in the U.S., EREVs offer a practical bridge to full electrification. With automakers like Ram, Hyundai, and Volkswagen doubling down on this technology, EREVs could redefine the EV landscape, providing long-range solutions that ease range anxiety while keeping costs in check. For EV enthusiasts, this hybrid approach might just be the push needed to drive broader adoption.

Photo courtesy of Ram.