Manufacturers have dabbled with varying degrees of electrification. From simple parallel hybrids to big range electric cars, car makers have tried them all. But there is a formula that suits the use cases of the masses.
And yet rather strangely, it is a concept that not many automakers have opted to adopt. This ‘concept’ is the range extender electric vehicle. But which manufacturers have given it a proper go?
Who’s Tried it?
In the early 2010s, one of better documented public attempts at creating a range extender EV was announced by Fisker. They paired two rear mounted electric motors, good for a combined 320 bhp, with a 260 bhp GM-sourced engine serving as the generator for the 20.1 kWh battery pack.
BMW also attempted this, but with greater success. The i3 REx was outfitted with a 650cc two cylinder engine lifted from one of their scooters. The 34 bhp it develops is then used to recharge the battery pack when it dips below a certain percentage, with the latter being used to drive the 180 bhp electric motor used for traction.
Nissan’s e-Power System
Of all the attempts thus far, Nissan’s e-Power system is by far the most successful. The basic concept remains the same – you use a lower power internal combustion engine to charge up a battery pack used to provide electricity to a torque-ier electric motor. Nissan managed to iron out most of the issues that plagued Fisker and BMW, essentially planning to extend e-Power technology to their entire line-up.
Using the Note e-Power as an example, Nissan uses a 1.2 litre 79 bhp three banger to charge up a tiny battery pack that propels a 114 bhp electric motor. Nissan has also figured out the ideal battery size for their application, allowing the Japanese automaker to mass electrify its lineup without adding too much additional cost to the purchase price of their cars.
As this technology continues to evolve, you’d only expect it to become ever more efficient and with ever greater levels of power.
So Why a Range Extender EV?
The main motivation behind buying such a vehicle is really in it’s overall efficiency. These cars consume fuel sparingly, also recuperating electricity through regenerative braking just like an electric car.
But unlike one, there’s no need to wait up to an hour for a battery pack to be fully topped off. Also, without the need for hefty and expensive batteries, the cars are lighter, which amplifies the characteristics of an electric motor (instant torque), and will cost less to buy.
It makes for a properly potent vehicle that feels good to drive, and is kind to your wallet. These cars are also simpler than their PHEV cousins, as there isn’t a mechanical coupling from the ICE to the wheels, so long term running costs should be kept fairly low too.
No amount of text will ever convince you to give these cars a fair chance unless you’ve given it a proper go yourself! You’d not be disappointed at the way these cars drive!
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