An EREV, or Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, primarily uses an electric motor for propulsion, with an internal combustion engine acting as a range extender. According to existing references, it's often considered the opposite of a mild hybrid, where the electric unit propels the car under heavier load, and the internal combustion engine acts as a booster.
Understanding EREV Operation
EREVs are designed to maximize electric driving while minimizing range anxiety. Here's a breakdown of how they function:
- Electric Motor as Primary Power: The vehicle predominantly runs on its electric motor, drawing power from a battery pack.
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) as a Generator: When the battery is depleted to a certain level, the internal combustion engine kicks in. However, unlike traditional hybrids, the ICE doesn't directly power the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator, producing electricity to either:
- Recharge the battery pack.
- Directly power the electric motor, extending the driving range.
Key Differences from Hybrids and EVs
To better understand how an EREV works, it helps to contrast it with other types of vehicles:
| Feature | EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) | Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) | Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Power | Electric Motor | Combination of Electric Motor and Internal Combustion Engine | Electric Motor |
| ICE Function | Generator to extend range; Doesn't directly power the wheels | Assists electric motor or directly powers the wheels | None |
| Charging | Plug-in charging and ICE-generated electricity | Regenerative braking and sometimes plug-in charging (PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid) | Plug-in charging only |
| Range | Extended range due to ICE | Limited by fuel tank and battery capacity | Limited by battery capacity |
Advantages of EREVs
- Extended Range: Overcomes the range limitations of pure electric vehicles.
- Electric Driving Experience: Offers a predominantly electric driving experience for daily commutes.
- Reduced Emissions: Lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, especially when driving primarily on electric power.
In Summary
EREVs offer a bridge between traditional gasoline vehicles and fully electric vehicles by prioritizing electric drive while using an internal combustion engine solely to generate electricity and extend the vehicle's range.
