The growth of the e-mobility sector has revolutionized electric vehicles and their design. Further, the invention of EV conversion kits has also introduced a new level of craziness among DIY enthusiasts. To make an informed decision, it’s important to stay informed about the latest industrial developments in this rapidly evolving sector. It is worthwhile to learn about different types of hybrids and electric vehicles, including extended-range vehicles.
Understanding Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
In general, EVs are classified into two categories: low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) and high-speed electric vehicles (HSEVs). The basic differences lie in the performance capacity, speed, and mileage of the vehicles. While LSEVs have distance coverage limited to 25 miles per hour, HSEVs have more coverage. But there’s an intermediate variant between the two: extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
EREVs usually consist of low-speed electric vehicles that are later altered to extend their speed. They are considered the opposite of mild hybrids. Many people consider EREVs to be hybrid vehicles with larger batteries. Like other electric vehicles, they work on propulsion power that provides speed and features to the vehicles. Their capacity generally ranges from 10 to 20 kWh.
How Does An Extended-Range Vehicle Function
You might wonder how an extended-range hybrid works. Well, they follow a simple procedure: when the battery is discharged to a specific level, combustion starts, and the generator is turned on. The generator then provides energy to the electric motor, which also charges the battery. However, the best part of the extended-range electric vehicle is that internal combustion is just used to charge the battery; it does not directly propel the vehicle. That’s why, despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, extended-range vehicles are environment-friendly and highly energy-efficient.
Two Modes of EREVs Functioning
Here are the two modes of EREV operation:
- Charge-sustaining (CS) mode, where the energy is supplied to the electric motors.
- The other version includes pure electric propulsion that offers zero emissions locally.
What Makes an EREV different from BEV, HEV, mHEV, pHEV and FCEV
Many people get confused between EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle), BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The irony is that few even think of them the same. Although the listed names are the subtypes of EVs, there is a huge difference between them. They are different in terms of characteristics or ways of recharging, and the drivers need to understand the difference between these electric vehicles to make an informed decision.
Battery Electric Vehicle-BEV
A BEV is another type of standard EV that solely relies on electricity for its operation. It is one of the most sustainable and zero-emission cars, and the electric drive unit is the only source of propulsion. Most BEVs use lithium-ion batteries for greater efficiency and stability. For charging purposes, the BEV uses electric charging stations.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles- HEV
Another popular variety apart from standard EVs is hybrid cars. As the name suggests, an HEV consists of both electric and gasoline components. The propulsion system includes two separate engines: electric and explosive. In general, hybrid vehicles start and work on electric engines, adding to their sustainability. Electric engines join the hybrid model in the case of heavy loads. In hybrid cars, there are different types of models, including mild hybrid (mHEV) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid).
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle- FCEV
The last type includes fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). FCEVs use hydrogen to power the engine cell. Working on hydrogen cells, FCEVs guarantee a much longer range. Plus, the best point is that fuel-cell cars are quicker to recharge than electric vehicles.
Why Make Extended-Range Vehicles Popular?
You might wonder why extended-range vehicles are so popular. The major advantage is obviously their lower maintenance cost. Moreover, unlike short-range vehicles, extended-range EVs offer more range and can travel farther on a single charge. Their batteries use a small internal combustion engine that generates more energy, making them more energy efficient than other alternatives. With the premium quality range extenders, you don’t even need to worry about running out of batteries, even on a long trip. You do not need to keep searching for charging stations frequently with EREVs.
Disadvantages of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
There are countless advantages to EREVs, but that doesn’t mean that there are no disadvantages associated with extended-range cars. Certain drawbacks are associated. The major drawback is that, based on the latest technology, extended-range electric vehicles require regular checkups for effective working. Moreover, unlike gasoline vehicles, electric engines are complex and technical and thus may break at any point during the journey. And, if your model is hybrid, you may need to visit a filling station to refuel, which battery-only EVs don’t.
Cost Estimation of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
Now comes the major question: What is the estimated cost of extended-range electric vehicles? How can you decide if it will fit your pockets or not? Well, the cost of extended-range electric vehicles depends on a lot of factors. Here are the key factors that define the cost:
- Model of the car
- Trim-level
- Mileage/speed preferences
- The city where you are planning to buy the car
- The brand of the car
Here is a detailed explanation that will help you make an informed decision. In the US, the national average purchase cost of an EV is around $47,000. Some EVs can offer a range of over 300 miles and cost less than the other latest models. Let’s dive a bit deeper. Here is a quick comparison between the mileage, cost, and model of the latest EV cars in the market.
| Car Model | Range Limit | Estimate Cost |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD | 330 miles | $44,990 |
| Nissan Ariya | 304 miles | $39,590 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 300 miles | $39,995 |
| Kia EV6 | 310 miles | $50,025 |
| Chevy Equinox | 319 miles | $42,000 |
Note: This is just a quick estimation. Prices may vary in real-time.
Is there any way to reduce the overall cost of the extended-range electric vehicles?
Certain ways will help you to reduce the overall cost of extended-range electric vehicles. The first is obviously by using federal laws. There are certain norms and conditions of the state’s policies that support sustainable and eco-friendly means of transportation and offer high discounts on the purchase of electric vehicles, allowing drivers to
reduce the overall cost of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
How can governments and manufacturers reduce the cost of extended-range electric vehicles?
There is no doubt that extended-range electric vehicles are the future of the world. Indeed, governments need to take the right steps to reduce the cost of manufacturing electric vehicles.
The first starts by supporting the setup of large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing. At the same time, next-generation EV batteries need to be introduced in electric vehicles to reduce their cost and increase their efficiency. Apart from that, governments can also include financial advantages such as tax credits and revenue rebates to reduce the cost of direct consumer purchases.
Future of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
The EREV industry is still evolving. However, its future certainty is not yet clear and concise. With time, there is a high chance that extended-range electric vehicles will lose their spark. The advancements in battery technology could reduce the need for range extenders, making fully electric vehicles more practical for a wider range of electric drivers.
However, EREVs still have the potential for public transportation. Fleet operators find extended-range electric vehicles reliable and cheaper alternatives to others.
In conclusion, extended-range electric vehicles offer a compelling combination of benefits and drawbacks. Although the future of electric cars is still uncertain, no one can ignore the fact that they are flexible, offer lower maintenance costs, and offer environmental benefits. Apart from the discussions, one can be assured that the automotive industry will evolve over time, and it will be interesting to see where it goes in the coming years.
Besides extended-range electric vehicles, if you want to seek other electronic components or EV conversion kits, you can visit CMVTE, a reliable electric car components provider in China.
