Experts have called for major car brands to adopt new petrol technology, which could help more people get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.
Petrol-powered range extenders (REx) have seen a spike in popularity recently as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and zero emission vehicles.
While the range of electric vehicles has improved significantly in the past few years, some drivers are still concerned about the battery range of EVs.
When the battery charge depletes, an internal combustion engine generates electricity to recharge the battery and extend driving range.
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Experts have backed the use of petrol range extenders to boost electric vehicle uptake
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Unlike plug-in hybrids, which can be driven without ever charging, REx vehicles are electric-first, with the engine serving as backup.
Stellantis is among several manufacturers developing range-extender vehicles for larger applications.
In November, the company unveiled its STLA Frame platform for pick-up trucks and large SUVs.
While initially using fully electric powertrains with a range of up to 500 miles, a range extender version will offer up to 690 miles.
Stellantis says the platform can also integrate internal combustion, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion systems in future.
Chinese carmaker Leapmotor, part of Stellantis, aims to offer a petrol range extender option on its vehicles this year, including its flagship C10 model.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV features a 215PS electric motor and a 1.5-litre engine, while its 28.4 kWh battery provides 90 miles of electric range, with a total combined range exceeding 590 miles.
Leapmotor claims the engine will achieve an impressive 706mpg and emit just 10g/km of CO2.
Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, highlights the advantages of range-extended vehicles over plug-in hybrids.
He said: “The problem with PHEVs, as many fleet managers will attest, is that it’s easy for drivers to never bother to charge them unless they are closely monitored.
“In contrast, REx vehicles are electric first and make sense where their ICE capacity is designed to offer enough reassurance to offset issues surrounding range,” Fleet News reported.
Golding noted that for Government support of REx vehicles to materialise, taxation changes would likely be needed.
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The Leapmotor C10 REEV will come equipped with a petrol range extender STELLANTISHe added: “We know from measures in the latest Budget that the Government is moving against PHEVs in both Benefit-in-Kind and Vehicle Excise Duty terms,” Golding noted.
Ford is also moving into the range-extender market. CEO Jim Farley has confirmed the company is developing both SUV and pick-up platforms designed specifically for range-extender EVs.
While no launch date has been announced, this commitment from a major manufacturer signals growing industry momentum.