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Range-Extender EVs: The New Hybrid Solution Bridging Battery Limits and Fuel Security

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. n-bridging-battery-limits-and-fuel-security.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 12:21 GMT by Forbes

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Range‑Extender Electric Vehicles: Why Your Next Car Might Carry a Gallon of Gas

When most people think of electric cars, they imagine sleek, zero‑emission vehicles that can travel 300–400 miles on a single charge, all powered by lithium‑ion batteries and the growing network of public chargers. Yet, even the most advanced batteries still struggle to keep up with the most extreme drivers—those who routinely travel long distances, live in rural areas with sparse charging infrastructure, or simply dislike the idea of “charging anxiety.” The answer, according to a recent Forbes analysis, is a small, well‑designed gasoline engine that sits beside the battery: the range extender.

What is a Range Extender?

A range‑extender (RE) is a miniature internal‑combustion engine (ICE) that operates like a generator. It sits on the same chassis as the EV’s battery pack and is designed to charge the battery when the electric range is depleted or to provide direct propulsion under certain conditions. Importantly, the engine is never the primary source of propulsion; the car is still classified as an electric vehicle (EV) and can run exclusively on battery power for the vast majority of its operating range.

The design philosophy is clear: use the ICE only when necessary, and keep it small enough that its environmental impact is marginal. A typical RE engine might be 1–2 liters, consuming no more than 0.5–1 gallon of gasoline per 200–300 miles—roughly half the fuel consumption of a conventional midsize car.

Why a Gasoline Backup Still Makes Sense

1. Range Anxiety is Still Real – Even with the advent of ultra‑fast chargers, many regions—especially rural or under‑served parts of the U.S. and Asia—still lack a reliable charging network. An RE provides an extra layer of security, allowing drivers to venture farther without fearing a dead battery.

2. Economic Practicality – The cost of the battery pack is the biggest factor in EV pricing. A RE adds only a few thousand dollars, but can drastically reduce the need for high‑capacity batteries that would otherwise raise the vehicle’s price and weight.

3. Performance Flexibility – Manufacturers can tune the RE to act as a generator, a secondary motor, or a direct drive source, depending on driving conditions. Some models can switch between battery‑only and engine‑augmented modes in real time.

4. Environmental Benefit – By keeping the ICE small and efficient, emissions are minimized. According to the article, a typical RE emits only about 15% of the CO₂ of an equivalent gasoline car, while still delivering the “fuel‑stop” feeling some drivers miss from conventional cars.

Real‑World Examples

The Forbes piece highlights a handful of range‑extender EVs that have already entered the market or are slated for launch in 2025:

Each of these vehicles showcases a different approach to the RE concept. The Ioniq 5 uses the engine mainly as a generator, keeping the car in “battery‑only” mode for most daily driving. In contrast, the Polestar 3 can use the engine to directly power the wheels when the battery is low, providing a more seamless transition for the driver.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The article notes that the range‑extender market is currently a niche segment, driven largely by automotive manufacturers that want to mitigate consumer concerns without committing to fully battery‑powered vehicles. However, a few key trends point to broader adoption:

1. Battery Cost Reduction – As the cost per kWh continues to fall (predicted to hit $90 by 2026), the need for a RE will diminish, but the technology will remain an attractive option for specific segments.

2. Infrastructure Development – While public charging networks are expanding, they lag behind the demand of long‑haul drivers. A RE provides an interim solution while the charging fabric catches up.

3. Regulatory Pressures – Some European markets have stringent emissions standards that favor partial electrification over full battery. RE vehicles offer a compliant middle ground.

4. Consumer Preference – Surveys show that 65% of potential EV buyers still cite range anxiety as a major barrier. RE vehicles could reduce that number by offering the “just in case” backup that many feel comfortable with.

Environmental and Economic Trade‑Offs

The Forbes article does not shy away from the fact that a gasoline engine—even a small one—does produce emissions. A quick life‑cycle analysis suggests that the total CO₂ emissions of a RE‑EV over its lifetime are only slightly higher than those of a fully electric car, largely because the engine is rarely on. In contrast, a conventional internal‑combustion car consumes far more fuel over the same period.

On the economic front, the upfront cost of an RE‑EV is typically $3–5 k higher than a comparable all‑electric model, but the reduced battery size can lead to savings in battery depreciation over time. Moreover, the ability to drive long distances without the need to schedule charging stops can translate into significant productivity gains for commuters and commercial fleets alike.

Bottom Line

A range‑extender EV sits at the intersection of two paradigms: the clean, low‑emission future of electrification and the pragmatic reality of today’s driving habits. By coupling a modest gasoline engine to a high‑capacity battery, automakers can deliver vehicles that feel reassuringly familiar to traditional drivers while still keeping the carbon footprint low.

The Forbes article argues persuasively that if you are in the market for an electric car but still have reservations about charging infrastructure or range limitations, a range‑extender model could be the perfect compromise. It offers the “fuel‑stop” comfort of a gasoline car without the full environmental cost, all while preparing you for the inevitable transition to fully electric vehicles once battery technology and charging networks have matured.

For the consumer weighing options, the takeaway is clear: an RE‑EV might just be the “next best” car in 2025—a vehicle that blends the best of both worlds and smooths the transition to a cleaner transportation future.