Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity in recent years, with extended-range electric vehicles, also known as EREVs, becoming a hot topic in the automotive industry. The latest examples of EREVs include the Scout Terra truck and Traveler SUV, which were recently unveiled and are set to hit the market in 2027. What sets these vehicles apart is the optional feature called the Harvester, which adds a gas engine to enable longer-distance driving.
The Harvester option allows these EREVs to achieve a range of 500 miles or more, making them ideal for long road trips and towing heavy loads without the need for frequent recharging. This feature addresses the issue of range anxiety that many electric vehicle owners still face.
EREVs, or series hybrids, are essentially battery-electric vehicles that incorporate an onboard generator powered by a gasoline engine to recharge the battery and extend the vehicle’s range. This setup allows drivers to charge the battery by plugging it in, fill the gas tank to run the generator, or use a combination of both methods. Several new EREVs are expected to enter the market in the coming years, including the 2025 Ram Ramcharger and models from Hyundai.
Automakers are turning to EREVs as a transitional solution that combines the benefits of electric vehicles with the convenience of gas-powered vehicles. This approach allows car manufacturers to build EVs on existing platforms, add a gas engine for extended range, and potentially phase out the gas engine as battery technology and charging infrastructure improve.
However, the success of EREVs depends on how effectively they are used by consumers. Data from plug-in hybrids, which share similarities with EREVs, suggests that owners may not always plug in their vehicles as intended. This lack of data raises concerns about whether EREV owners will utilize the electric range of their vehicles or rely primarily on gasoline.
The introduction of EREVs like the Scout Terra and Ram Ramcharger presents a unique challenge for automakers in educating consumers about this new powertrain technology and encouraging them to make the most of the electric range. Early adopters of vehicles like the Chevy Volt demonstrated that high electric range can lead to increased usage of electric power, but it remains to be seen how EREV owners will behave.
In conclusion, the future of EREVs hinges on consumer behavior, charging habits, and the effectiveness of educating drivers about this technology. Regulatory bodies may need to require automakers to provide data on the usage of EREVs to ensure that these vehicles are being used as intended. Only time will tell how EREVs will be adopted by consumers and whether they will help accelerate the transition to electric mobility.