Electric Car Battery Range Extender

An electric car battery range extender is a secondary onboard power generator – usually a small gasoline engine – that charges an electric car's battery as you drive. The range extender is only intended as a backup when the battery is nearly depleted, not for continuous use.

Many people who drive electric cars worry about running out of juice, but this isn’t an issue with extended-range electric vehicles. Fleet managers and drivers may alleviate their concerns about limited battery life and rising gas prices with the assistance of range-extended electric cars while also saving money and getting the most out of their vehicles and employees.

An electric car battery range extender is a secondary onboard power generator – usually a small gasoline engine – that charges an electric car’s battery as you drive. The range extender is only intended as a backup when the battery is nearly depleted, not for continuous use.

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How Does a Range Extender Work?

Most range extenders for electric cars are equipped with little gas tanks that don’t add all that much more time to your trip. Nonetheless, they may extend their range by stopping at any gas station to refill.

The Operation of an Electric Car Battery Range Extender

Only when the electric vehicle’s battery is critically low does the vehicle’s gasoline range extender begin to operate. It is essentially a generator, with the power it produces going into the car’s battery.

Range extenders are typically small gasoline engines that provide enough additional power to keep the vehicle moving forward. However, they often fail to provide enough power for optimal vehicle performance.

Electric Car Battery Range Extender

To What Extent Are Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Here to Stay?

Estimates of electric-only range for Electric cars with range extenders are often low.

BMW i3’s maximum range is 124 miles while running only on battery power, but it may be increased by up to 100 miles when paired with the optional two-cylinder gas range extender.

Without the range extender, the Karma GS-6 can go just 80 miles. With it, its maximum range increases to 360 miles.

Most Electric car drivers want to minimize their carbon footprint, which includes the additional expense of purchasing petrol for that increased range.

Electric Car Battery Range Extender

How Long Will Electric Vehicle Range Extenders Be Around?

It is important to preserve the ability to readily add miles to your Electric car while you are stuck for safety reasons.

Moreover, when pickup trucks join the ranks of the next generation of electric vehicles, range extenders may decide whether they can successfully displace the gasoline and diesel vehicles now in use.

Ranges And Electric Cars

An internal combustion engine car typically has a range of around 300 miles. As a result, buyers anticipate comparable ranges from electric automobiles.

The typical range of an electric vehicle nowadays is about 250 miles. Manufacturers of electric vehicles are spurred to innovation by consumer demand for vehicles with similar ranges.

What are Electrified Vehicles and Range?

For fleet managers, “range anxiety” is one of the most significant barriers to implementing an all-electric fleet. It occurs when an electric vehicle’s battery is low, and there are no convenient places to recharge.

Range anxiety stems from the worry of running out of juice while in transit and being unable to reach a charging station. The Electric car’s range may also be diminished by variables outside the driver’s control, such as adverse weather.

It is well-known that driving an Electric car in subzero conditions may significantly diminish its range. Fleet drivers of electric vehicles may have the same range anxiety if they don’t have access to range autonomy.

However, advances in Electric car design and technology have made long-distance capabilities possible. This helps remedy the limited range of early electric vehicles.

Manufacturers are working on advances in battery technology and adding functionality to recharge the battery pack while the vehicle is in motion.

The Key Distinctions Between a Hybrid and An Electric Vehicle with A Range Extender

Never forget, the electric car is here to save the car industry, not the planet.’

A hybrid is a vehicle that combines electric propulsion with another propulsion system, such as gasoline. Still, it’s the most electrified vehicle you can get without giving up gasoline entirely.

Most hybrids rely primarily on their gas engines, with electric motors employed for brief bursts of acceleration.

Almost all hybrids on the market today are “parallel hybrids,” meaning their drive trains are set up such that either the gas engine or the electric motors may power the wheels independently.

What are the Major Differences Between an Electric Vehicle and a Hybrid with a Range Extender?

Conventional hybrids charge in-vehicle batteries via the engine and regenerative braking technology when coasting or stopping. On the other hand, “series hybrid” electric cars rely heavily on their gasoline generators to recharge their batteries.

Next, the energy stored in the battery pack is transferred to electric motors, which turn the vehicle’s wheels. The fact that range extenders could eliminate concerns was their major selling factor.

This is because the petrol engine greatly increased the car’s range, and the fuel tank could be refilled at any standard gas station, eliminating the need to plug the vehicle in constantly.

You may still use the vehicle with gasoline rather than electricity if you find yourself unexpectedly in need of a longer trip than anticipated or if you are unable to recharge for some other reason.

Report CoverageDetails
Market Size by 2030USD 1,876.5 Million
Growth Rate from 2022 to 2030CAGR of 8.3%
North America Market Share in 202145%
Passenger Vehicle Market Share in 202185%
Base Year2021
Forecast Period2022 to 2030
Segments CoveredProduct, Vehicle, Component, Geography
Report Coverage with Detail

What Types of Electric Cars Can Use a Range Extender?

In the United States, just one vehicle equipped with a range extender may be purchased. It is the Karma GS-6, and it has a BMW turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric motor capable of 536 horsepower.

The BMW i3 REx, BMW i8, Polestar 1, Cadillac ELR, and Chevrolet Volt are just a few of the cars that have offered range extenders in the past.

Because of their short driving distance, lack of availability of public charging stations, and the great potential for inducing range anxiety, range extenders made sense with early electric vehicles.

The internal combustion engine (ICE) automobile has been replaced by the electric vehicle. E-motors in Electric cars are powered by electrical energy stored in a battery.

Fuel

Electric vehicles lessen or do away with the need for fossil fuels, decreasing oil reliance and reducing or doing away with emissions of greenhouse gases.

They are more fuel efficient because they can transform energy into motion with less energy input than standard vehicles. Driving an Electric car rather than an internal combustion engine car has several advantages.

Range

Extended-range electric cars do not bring many advantages compared to their complexity and expense, especially with today’s more robust charging infrastructure and longer-range Electric cars on the market.

Rumor has it that range extenders will be an option for the next Ram 1500 e-pickup truck and the Ford F-150 Lightning. Modular range extenders might one day be installed in a vehicle as needed and removed when they are no longer needed.

Because of their short driving distance, lack of availability of public charging stations, and the great potential for inducing range anxiety, range extenders made sense with early electric vehicles.

The Market for Electric Vehicle Range Extenders

The growing adoption of electric vehicles is fueling discussions on various energy storage systems among the Twitter influencers

With a projected CAGR of roughly 9% between 2020 and 2026, the electric vehicle range extender market is projected to grow from its 2020 valuation of $1 billion to $3 billion by 2026. (2021 – 2026).

The Market for Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles?

The COVID-19 outbreak will significantly affect the Electric car range extender business when factories and other facilities are forced to close or lock down.

However, with the increasing popularity of electric cars throughout the globe, the industry is predicted to recover. The expansion of the electric car range extender market would be aided by factors such as rising demand and engine downsizing.

The global market is projected to be deterred by advancements aimed at increasing BEVs’ range and an increased emphasis on battery cost reduction among original equipment manufacturers.

Demand for range extenders is also anticipated to rise throughout the projected period due to the rising popularity of innovative technologies like towable generators and batteries.

North America is projected to develop quickly, while Asia-Pacific is predicted to maintain a sizable market share. The large-scale adoption of hybrid and pure Electric cars and a malfunctioning infrastructure is to blame for this expansion.

Sales of electric vehicles are expected to rise in major markets throughout Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, and France, all of which bode well for the region’s economic future.

The Market’s Top 6 Long-Range Electric Vehicle Options

Top 6 Long-Range Electric Vehicle Options


It is clear why consumers would find extended range Electric cars to be an attractive alternative.

A range extender may not be necessary if you simply want to use your Electric car for local driving within cities, but it offers piece of mind for longer road journeys where charging facilities may not always be nearby.

There are numerous possibilities for extended range electric vehicles on the market right now. Six of the top choices are listed below:

1.Tesla Model S Long Range: Tesla’s Longest-Range Option

In the field of electric vehicles, one of the most well-known brands is Tesla. The Model S is the Tesla electric vehicle with the greatest range. Two sub-models in this class have comparable excellent numbers.

The standard Model S has the most range that Tesla currently provides.

a 405-mile radius

3.1 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph).

peak power of 670 horsepower

Impressive horsepower and speed in the Model S Plaid.

396-mile range and

1.99-second 0 to 60 mph time.

1,020 peak horsepower

You can travel the 383 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles in a Tesla Model S on a single charge! You’ll feel comfortable driving this vehicle because there are many Tesla Supercharger stations spread out across the nation.

2.Mercedes EQS: Committed to Changing the Game

When you think about long range electric automobiles, Mercedes-Benz wants to be sure that its name comes to mind equally as quickly as “Tesla.” The Mercedes EQS is a sleek, contemporary sedan with plenty of head and trunk room that is extremely aerodynamic.

The Mercedes EQS is a serious challenger because to its cutting-edge technology and exceptional driving range. Just keep in mind that this model’s price, which comes in at over $100,000, may come as a shock to some.

range of 350 miles
5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph
Battery size: 107.8 kWh (kilowatt hours).

3.BMW iX: Larger Car With Impressive Range

The BMW iX may be the ideal option if you want to switch to electric driving but don’t want to downsize your vehicle.

The customizable settings, easy charging both at home and on the go, and outstanding safety features are all features of this mid-sized SAV.

610 horsepower at its maximum, a 324-mile range, and a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time

 4.Lucid Air Dream Edition Range: Longest Range Electric car Available

The Electric car you’ve all been waiting for is finally here.The Lucid Air Dream Edition Range is the current electric vehicle with the greatest range.

If you have $169,000 to spare, this stylish and contemporary automobile from Lucid, one of the leading Electric car manufacturers today, would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s life.

You may charge nearly 300 miles in just 20 minutes at one of the 24,000+ public fast chargers that Lucid provides around the United States.

933 horsepower with a 520-mile range, 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds

5.Tesla Model Y Long Range: Affordable Improvement

The Model Y is another Tesla that appeared on this list. Despite not having the longest range on this list, this cheaper model still offers an impressive range at a competitive price.

Additionally, if you drive a Tesla, you’ll have access to more than 35,000 public Tesla Superchargers located across the US.

4.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph on a 330-mile range

6.2022 Ford Mach-e California Route 1: Lightweight and Swift

Here is yet another long-range SUV alternative for those who enjoy them. The stunning electric SUV, the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 (how’s that for a name?), has a greater range than the majority of regular Electric cars.

Ford is causing a stir in the Electric car market; they have more than 20,500 charging stations nationwide, and that number is rising.

314-mile range, 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph

Maximum horsepower is 346 hp.

Conveniences Of Long-Range Electric Vehicles

To the extent that electric cars‘ range can be significantly increased, their fleet management may be more cost-effective than that of equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles.

Each Electric car equipped with a range extender can go farther and make more excursions without worrying about charging in the middle of the day.

Manufacturer & Model TypeDescription
BMW i3 RExThe i3 is powered using a relatively small electric 22kWh capacity battery with an optional gasoline-powered range extender APU. The APU provides an average increase in range from 80 to 100 miles without the APU, to 150–185 miles with the APU enabled.
Chevrolet VoltWith a relatively short range of only 40-60 miles using the primary charge-depleting mode, the Volt may not be as attractive without its range extender. Its primary battery has a capacity of only 16kWh and has a range-extending, gasoline-powered ICE as its APU.
Audi E-TronThe E-Tron uses a 90kWh battery pack to drive two electric motors — one on each axle. It provides an average 204-mile range from a full charge.
BMW i3 RExThe i3 is powered using a relatively small electric 22kWh capacity battery with an optional gasoline-powered range extender APU. The APU provides an average increase in range from 80 to 100 miles without the APU, to 150–185 miles with the APU enabled.
Manufacturer & Model Type

What Additional Conveniences Come with Long-Range Electric Vehicles?

Using an APU to refuel an Electric car has several advantages for a fleet. Fleet managers will have more options with longer ranges.

Extended-range electric cars will become more common. The range per charge of a vehicle will likewise increase. Managers’ options for deploying vehicles will expand due to having more viable route possibilities.

Concerns about running out of electric power while the extended ranges of certain vehicles lessen driving. Range extenders will soon allow electric vehicles to match or even outpace the mileage of conventional internal combustion engine automobiles.

Increasing the vehicle’s range gives the driver more freedom in determining their assignments. Long-distance driving is less restricted.

Gains in productivity: With an extension, an electric vehicle can cover more ground, allowing for more flexible assignment options. The efficiency gains that may be achieved also rely on how the cars are driven.

Reasons Why Fleet Managers Should Use Telematics to Monitor Electric Cars

Reasons Why Fleet Managers Should Use Telematics to Monitor Electric Cars

Not Locate a Charging Station in Time.

A big worry for many EV fleets is that their vehicles will run out of juice before they reach their destination, or they will not locate a charging station in time.

Take More than Eight Hours to Charge Completely.

A significant change in driving behavior is required for electric vehicle fleets since electric cars may take more than eight hours to charge completely.

Recharge their Batteries at Strategic Intervals.

Drivers not used to electric vehicles may fail to realize they need to recharge their batteries at strategic intervals, jeopardizing their ability to reach their destination and accomplish their tasks.

Why Should Fleet Managers Monitor Electric Cars with Telemetric?

Planning is much more crucial for a fleet of electric vehicles because of this.

To guarantee that every electric vehicle in your fleet can make it to a charging station in time and finish its task, it is crucial to monitor data points like the state of charge, nearby charging stations, or charging history.

Conclusion

Extended-range electric vehicles, or range extenders, are an alternative to standard electric cars. They are useful for putting your mind at ease about range limitations while providing many advantages of battery-only vehicles.

FAQs

Is it possible to increase an electric car’s range?

Many people opt to buy or lease electric vehicles equipped with range extenders to alleviate worries about being far from civilization. An electric vehicle’s range may be increased by using a range extender, a secondary power generator aboard (often a tiny gasoline engine) that charges the battery as you drive.

Is it possible to purchase an additional battery for a plug-in hybrid?

Unfortunately, if your electric vehicle ever dies on the road, you won’t have any spare batteries to swap in. The fundamental problem is that building an additional set of batteries for each electric vehicle is not practical because of how costly they are and how many natural resources they demand.

What happens if the battery in an electric vehicle dies?

When the charge on an electric vehicle’s battery is almost depleted, unlike gas or diesel-powered vehicles, electric automobiles will sound an alarm if their battery life becomes dangerously low. Also, unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric automobiles won’t just cut out on you. The technology will provide many warnings if the Electric cars battery is low.

How can my electric car battery be extended?

Four easy ways to increase the lifespan of your electric car battery
When parked, reduce exposure to incredibly hot temperatures.
minimize the batteries when they are fully charged.
Do not use fast charging.
Control the ideal battery charge level during extended storage.

Will there ever be 500-mile electric car ranges?

EV range is one of the issues that people are worried about. That’s about to change, though, as battery pack design is evolving rapidly. In fact, new technology is on the horizon and could bring batteries with a 500-mile range or more.

Should I always charge my Electric car to 100%?

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t charge your Electric cars battery to 100% every night because repeated charging cycles can harm the battery. On a single full charge, the majority of Electric cars on the market can travel a few hundred miles. That charge should last you a few days unless you are making long commutes every day.

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I am principal creator of electriccarexperience.com. I like riding Electric Car, UTV in mountains and Terrain, Also I try to share all the real life experience here in the site.I am really dedicated to write about my experience. I love doing all the outdoor activity including riding electric car, dirt biking and hiking.

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