Electric cars with range extenders may turn out to be a 'dead end' for Europe, study finds
Electric cars with range extenders (EREV) are vehicles with an electric powertrain, including a battery and a traction motor, plus a gasoline engine. The internal combustion engine can charge the high-voltage battery to increase the range but does not drive the car independently.
In the second quarter of 2025, EREVs accounted for 10% of the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) market, which mainly consists of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. However, the European clean transport organization, Transport & Environment, stated in a new study that in the case of depleted batteries, EREVs in China pollute the environment as much as gasoline-powered cars.
As with plug-in hybrids (PHEV), the main argument in favor of EREVs is that owners will charge them regularly. This would allow most of the distance to be traveled on electricity, reducing emissions and saving on gasoline. However, usage statistics for plug-in hybrids in Europe have shown that owners hardly charge them and mostly drive on gasoline. This results in the same or even worse emissions and higher fuel costs.
TE claims that there are no guarantees that it will be different for EREVs in Europe.
Here is an excerpt from the study:
EREVs have technical advantages over European plug-in hybrids due to greater range, more powerful electric motors, and fast charging capabilities. However, current EREV models have similar drawbacks — for example, a large fuel tank that allows users to primarily drive on gasoline.
Considering the competition from plug-in hybrids and the fact that EREV technology is controlled by Chinese automakers, the implementation of this transitional technology in Europe remains highly uncertain.
Extending the life of fuel combustion technology will lead the industry into a dead end. To build a future for the European automotive industry, the EU must stay the course, confirm CO2 targets, and confidently enter the era of electric vehicles.
Why does it work in China and not in Europe?
EREVs in China are mostly large luxury models with large batteries that wouldn't be popular in Europe. But the study does not categorically oppose EREVs. Rather, the group wants better implementation of the technology, which would stimulate more electric driving and less reliance on internal combustion engines.
Source: TE
