Precious Anga
Lagos — Hyundai, Ford and Stellantis are preparing a new type of electric vehicle that combines battery power with a petrol-powered generator, as automakers seek to address concerns over limited driving range and charging availability.
The vehicles, known as extended-range electric vehicles,EREVs, are designed to operate primarily as electric cars while using a petrol engine to generate electricity when the battery needs additional power.
Unlike conventional hybrid vehicles, the petrol engine is not intended to drive the wheels directly. Instead, it acts as a generator that can recharge the battery, giving drivers an additional source of power when charging stations are unavailable.
The approach is gaining attention in the US market as automakers look for ways to make larger electric vehicles more practical for consumers who remain concerned about running out of battery power on longer journeys.
Hyundai, Ford and Jeep parent company Stellantis are among the manufacturers planning to introduce extended-range models for US customers. Stellantis is expected to launch an extended-range Jeep Grand Wagoneer later in 2026 or in 2027.
The technology effectively gives drivers an electric vehicle for everyday journeys while retaining the ability to use petrol when additional range is required. This could be particularly useful for larger SUVs, which generally require more energy to travel long distances.
The move also reflects a wider challenge facing the electric vehicle industry: persuading consumers to switch from petrol-powered vehicles while addressing concerns about charging infrastructure and long-distance travel.
For automakers, extended-range EVs offer a way to retain the driving characteristics and potential efficiency advantages of electric propulsion while providing a petrol-powered backup when battery charging is not readily available.
