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A range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), or an extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV), is a battery electric vehicle that runs on electricity but includes an auxiliary power unit known as a ‘range extender’. The range extender (usually a small petrol engine) drives an electric generator which charges a battery that supplies the vehicle’s electric motor rather than driving the wheels. This allows for an increased range from the vehicle.
Range-extended electric vehicles reduce emissions because they can be operated in zero emission mode for around 50 to 100 miles, before the range extender engine is used.
There are currently no range-extended electric cars on sale in the UK, but taxis are available, and vans and trucks with this technology will soon be coming to market.
Most range-extended electric vehicles cost between £30,000 and £100,000, depending on the make and model selected.
The BMW i3 REX and the Vauxhall Ampera E-REV are both examples of extended-range electric vehicles that are no longer on sale as new cars in the UK.
