What is an extended-range electric vehicle? Advantages and disadvantages of extended-range new energy vehicles

Introduction: ​Extended-range electric vehicles refer to a type of vehicle that is driven by a motor and then charged by the engine (range extender) to the battery. The range-extended electric vehicle is based on the addition of a gasoline engine to a pure electric vehicle.

  The main function of the gasoline engine is to charge the battery of the vehicle or directly drive the motor of the vehicle to increase the cruising range of the motor vehicle, effectively solving the problem of insufficient cruising range of the electric vehicle.

  The biggest feature of the extended-range new energy vehicle is that it has a single working mode. The engine is only responsible for power supply and does not directly participate in driving, so the extended-range vehicle drives like a pure electric vehicle. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of extended-range electric vehicles?

 1. Advantages of extended-range new energy vehicles

  1. Long pure electric cruising range: Since the extended-range model is built on the basis of pure electric vehicles, the vehicle originally reserved a large space for the battery pack, so the extended-range model can often carry a larger capacity With the advanced battery pack, the pure electric battery life of the vehicle is naturally better.

  2. Smooth power output: Range-extended vehicles are always driven by motors, so the vehicle can bring users a smooth driving experience like a pure electric car, but it should be noted that the range-extender is more or less in the process of operation There will be some noise. Although the quietness is not as good as that of electric vehicles, the overall feeling is still better than that of plug-in hybrid models.

  3. Low post-maintenance cost: Hybrid models can be divided into series, parallel and hybrid in terms of working principle. Among them, the extended-range model adopts the simplest series mode, because the structure of the system is relatively simple, so objectively It is said that the failure rate of this model may be lower, and it is easier and cheaper to repair the vehicle after it breaks down.

2. Disadvantages of extended-range new energy vehicles

  1. Low energy conversion efficiency: When an extended-range new energy vehicle is working, the engine will first generate power for the battery, and then the battery will supply power to the motor. It takes multiple energy conversions to complete the drive of the vehicle, and during this period there will inevitably be Energy loss, the energy conversion efficiency of the model is not as good as other direct drive models.

  2. Few models to choose from: There are relatively few models on sale in the domestic market.

  3. Not fuel-efficient: range-extending models are not only equipped with a large-volume battery pack, but also equipped with a range-extending system composed of engine, fuel tank and other components, so range-extending vehicles are generally heavier than other models. The fuel consumption performance is also relatively worse.


Post time: Nov-19-2022