Umair Gaines
Range anxiety is one of the biggest drawbacks of electric vehicles (EVs). Range-extending electric vehicles, also known as extended-range EVs, range-extended electric vehicles, or range-extended battery-electric vehicles, are designed to address this issue. These vehicles have an onboard generator, usually a small gasoline engine, that charges the battery as the vehicle is driven. This allows for longer trips without the stress of midday charging or the fear of running out of battery power and being stranded without access to a charger. While range-extending electric vehicles are not common, some models include the BMW i3 REx, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, and the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | EV Range Extender |
| Other Names | Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), Range-Extended Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEVx), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Description | A secondary onboard power generator that charges an electric car's battery as you drive |
| Engine | Gasoline, fuel-cells, or other engine types |
| Power Source | Electricity, gasoline |
| Battery Range | 80-160 km (50-100 miles) |
| Examples | Upcoming Ram 1500 EV Ramcharger, BMW i3 REx, Vauxhall Ampera E-REV, Mazda MX-30 R-EV |
| Benefits | Reduces range anxiety, lowers fuel costs, increases vehicle use, reduces emissions |
| Drawbacks | Complexity, cost, weight, emissions |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Range extenders reduce range anxiety
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the next generation of cars, displacing traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of EVs is range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery power and being stranded with no way to recharge. This fear is a significant reason why consumers are hesitant to purchase EVs.
Range extenders, also known as extended-range EVs (EREVs), are a solution to this problem. They are equipped with an onboard generator, usually a small gasoline engine, that charges the EV's battery as you drive, reducing range anxiety. This generator is known as an auxiliary power unit (APU) and is often a small internal combustion engine. The APU is designed to charge the batteries when the battery charge falls below a predetermined threshold, typically 5-10%. This process is automatic and does not require any intervention from the driver.
The primary benefit of range extenders is that they provide peace of mind to drivers, eliminating the fear of being stranded with a depleted battery. With a range extender, drivers can travel longer distances and make more trips without worrying about finding a charging station or experiencing long charging times. This extended range also offers greater flexibility and autonomy for fleet managers, as they can assign vehicles to longer trips and maximise the use of their vehicles and staff.
While range extenders do add weight and complexity to the vehicle, they can be designed to operate at a constant rpm, maximising efficiency and minimising fuel consumption. Additionally, the combustion engine in a range extender may have a longer lifespan as it does not need to run at high rpm, which causes increased wear and tear.
Examples of vehicles with range extenders include the upcoming Ram 1500 EV Ramcharger, the BMW i3 REx, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, and the Vauxhall Ampera E-REV.
Chassis and Circuits: Electrical Pathways in Vehicles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are also known as extended-range EVs (EREVs)
The first generation of EREVs used off-the-shelf internal combustion engines as APUs. The second generation uses microturbines and fuel cells that work at a constant load. The third generation will likely feature even more advanced APUs. EREVs have a simpler transmission than PHEVs, and when driven on electric power without the generator, they feel just like any EV. However, the addition of a range extender and its fuel adds weight, which saps energy from the battery when running in pure electric mode.
EREVs help to reduce range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power and being stranded without a way to charge. They also help lower fuel costs and maximise vehicle use. While EREVs are a step towards full electrification, they are not a perfect solution as the engine still generates emissions and CO2 when running.
Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks: Massachusetts' Incentives Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are not pure EVs as they use fossil fuels
Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) are not pure electric vehicles (EVs) as they use fossil fuels. They are a type of hybrid vehicle, with a secondary onboard power generator, usually a small gasoline engine, that charges the electric car's battery as you drive. This is known as a range extender.
Range extenders are used to charge the batteries of electric vehicles, and they only kick in once the battery is nearly depleted. They are not used to directly power the vehicle's wheels. This means that REEVs are still dependent on fossil fuels to some extent, which is not the case for pure EVs.
REEVs are designed to address "range anxiety", which is the fear of running out of battery power in an EV and being stranded without a charging station nearby. With a range extender, the vehicle can travel longer distances and make more trips without needing to stop and charge. This can be particularly useful for fleet managers, who can make more efficient use of their vehicles and staff with the increased range that REEVs offer.
While REEVs do offer some advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For example, the range extender adds weight to the vehicle, which can sap energy from the battery when running in pure electric mode. Additionally, the engine in a REEV generates emissions and CO2 when it is running, which may be seen as defeating the purpose of an EV. Furthermore, REEVs are more expensive than their pure electric counterparts.
California's Carpool Lane Changes: Impact on Electric Vehicles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are a type of hybrid
Range-extending electric vehicles, also known as extended-range EVs, are a type of hybrid vehicle. They are equipped with a range extender, which is a secondary onboard power generator that charges the electric car's battery as you drive. This range extender is typically a small gasoline engine that acts as a backup when the battery is nearly depleted, providing enough power to keep the vehicle moving.
While these vehicles are technically hybrids, they are distinct from traditional hybrids in that they are primarily powered by electricity. The range extender only kicks in when the battery is low, providing additional power to keep the vehicle running without the need for immediate charging. This feature addresses the issue of "range anxiety," where electric vehicle owners fear running out of battery power and being stranded without a charging option.
Range-extending electric vehicles, or EREVs, fall into the category of series hybrids. This means they are propelled solely by electric power, and when that runs out, the range extender generator uses fossil fuel energy to produce more electricity, extending the vehicle's range. Unlike traditional hybrids, EREVs use their gasoline generators almost exclusively to charge the batteries, and the power from the battery pack then drives the vehicle's wheels.
The design of range-extending electric vehicles allows for efficient conversion of fossil fuel energy to electric power and vehicle motion. The range extender can operate at its most efficient rotational speed, and since it does not need to increase or decrease output based on the vehicle's power needs, it can be sized to meet the vehicle's average power requirements. This results in reduced wear and tear on the combustion engine, potentially extending its lifespan.
Range-extending electric vehicles offer several benefits, including reduced range anxiety, lower fuel costs, and increased vehicle utilization. They provide flexibility for fleet managers and drivers, allowing for longer trips and more assignments without the worry of frequent charging. However, it's important to note that these vehicles are typically more expensive than their pure electric counterparts, and the additional weight of the range extender and fuel can impact the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.
Non-Electric Vehicles: The United States' Current Landscape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are powered by an auxiliary power unit (APU)
Range-extending electric vehicles, also known as extended-range EVs (EREVDs) or range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), are a type of hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of electric power and a range extender to increase the distance that can be travelled. A range extender is a small, onboard power generator that charges the electric vehicle's battery while in motion.
The electric APU typically includes a battery pack, inverter, air conditioner, and various control systems that manage power distribution. It can be charged through the vehicle's alternator while driving or via an external power source when parked. This versatility makes electric APUs a flexible and sustainable solution for modern trucking needs.
The lifespan of an electric APU depends on the quality of its components and maintenance. Well-maintained APUs can last several years, with some core components designed to last up to a decade. Electric APUs are also quieter than traditional engine-powered APUs, reducing noise pollution and creating a more peaceful environment for drivers and those nearby.
In addition to semi-trucks, APUs are also used in other vehicles such as tanks, refrigerated food trailers, and aircraft. In tanks, APUs provide electrical power without the high fuel consumption and large infrared signature of the main engine. Refrigerated food trailers use APUs to maintain low temperatures during transit without an external power source. Aircraft APUs, such as those in the Boeing 787, deliver electricity to the aircraft, simplifying the design by removing the need for a pneumatic system.
Electric Vehicles: The Future of Sustainable Transportation?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A range extender is a fuel-based auxiliary power unit (APU) that extends the range of a battery electric vehicle by driving an electric generator that charges the vehicle's battery.
When the battery charge is low, the range extender starts automatically and charges it up. The range extender does not power the car's wheels directly, it only charges the battery.
Some examples of range-extender vehicles include the BMW i3 REX, the Vauxhall Ampera E-REV, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, the Chevrolet Volt, and the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
Range extenders help to reduce range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power in an electric vehicle and being stranded with no way to charge. They also help to lower fuel costs and maximize the use of vehicles and staff.
Range extenders can be more expensive and complex than a pure electric vehicle. They also add extra weight to the vehicle, which can sap energy from the battery when running in pure electric mode.
