REEV introduces a smarter electric experience, one where performance meets confidence, and every mile is powered with ease.
Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), also known as an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), is a type of electric vehicle that primarily runs on electricity stored in a battery pack. To extend the driving range, it incorporates a range extender, typically a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery while driving. Unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the range extender in a REEV does not directly power the wheels; it only charges the battery.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
How it works:
Electric Propulsion:
The vehicle’s wheels are solely driven by an electric motor, powered by a battery pack.
Range Extender:
When the battery charge is low, a smaller, fuel-powered engine (often gasoline) starts up and acts as a generator, replenishing the battery’s charge.
No Direct Wheel Drive:
The range extender engine does not directly power the wheels; it only generates electricity to recharge the battery.
Grid Charging:
REEVs can also be plugged in and charged from the electrical grid, just like battery electric vehicles.
Key Characteristics:
Extended Electric Range:
The primary benefit is the ability to drive a significant distance using only electric power before the range extender is needed.
Reduced Emissions:
When operating in electric-only mode, REEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Flexibility:
The range extender allows for longer trips without the range anxiety associated with pure battery electric vehicles.
Series Hybrid Configuration:
The architecture of a REEV is often referred to as a “series hybrid” because the engine is only used to generate electricity for the electric motor.
Lower Maintenance (potentially):
Since the range extender engine doesn’t need to handle high power demands during acceleration, it can be smaller and potentially more efficient, leading to lower maintenance requirements.
Cost:
REEVs may have a higher initial cost compared to traditional gasoline vehicles or even some PHEVs.
Examples:
BMW i3 REx: One of the most well-known examples of a REEV, though no longer available as a new car, according to Green Car Guide.
Chevrolet Volt: Another popular REEV, also discontinued, according to GuangcaiAuto.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger: A more recent example of a range-extended electric pickup truck.
About the source
This overview was generated with the help of AI. It’s supported by info from across the web and Google’s Knowledge Graph, a collection of info about people, places and things. Generative AI is a work in progress and info quality may vary.