Along with cost , perhaps one of the biggest dissuaders for likely client of new galvanic vehicle is reach anxiety . It create sense — electric vehicle mountain chain is getting better , but EVs still take a mint longer to charge up than it takes to fill a tank with petrol . Plug - in hybrids are one path to extenuate this , but it turns out there ’s another form of hybrid that helps ease orbit anxiety — extended range electron volt , or EREVs .

We ’ve already attend a few EREVs from several unlike companies . Most recently , Scout Motors unveil theTraveler SUVand the Terra galvanic motortruck , both of which are available as optional EREVs . But what just is an EREV , and how does it help oneself make range less of an issue ? Here ’s everything you need to know .

EREV basics

Put only , an EREV leverages both an electrical assault and battery and a gas generator to extend the range of a fomite . EREVs are electric first , and the battery inside an EREV is the only thing that drives the wheels . That have in mind EREVs can get all the benefits of normal electric vehicles , like the longer all - electric kitchen range and the superfast responsiveness that EVs have become known for .

So , where does the accelerator source come in ? Well , the generator is basically used as a power reservoir for the battery . rather of directly drive the wheels , a petrol generator in an EREV is used only to deliver power to the assault and battery . Typically , gas generators inside of an EREV are much smaller than the locomotive engine that might power an inner burning engine ( ICE ) fomite . Because they ’re used much less than in an ICE vehicle , they also have lower emissions and do n’t necessarily have to be used at all for the fomite to be drivable . EREVs can function basically as galvanising cars , allow the machine driver to only replete up the gas tank when needed for a longer trip .

Keep in mind that you ’ll desire to practice the natural gas source every now and then to ensure that the fuel in the army tank does n’t demean and to keep the fuel system in good term . Many EREVs have an robotlike maintenance mode that will activate periodically to guarantee this happens .

What’s the difference between an EREV and a PHEV?

Of course , there ’s another type of galvanic vehicle that makes economic consumption of both a gas pedal engine and an galvanizing battery . That ’s theplug - in hybrid or PHEV . So , what ’s the conflict between the two ?

EREVs are electric first , meaning their master focus is being an electric vehicle . PHEVs are not electric first . Instead , they offer a very short galvanising range and utilise electric motor to improve operation or for short all - electric trip-up . Typically , PHEVs demo the worst aspects of galvanising vehicles , with a short range , tiresome charge speed , and limited world power from the galvanising motor . The trade - off , of grade , is that you’re able to refuel a PHEV in a issue of minutes at a gas place , and the fomite will run perfectly o.k. considering the fact that the engine powers the fomite alongside the electric motor rather than relying solely on the electric motor itself .

That ’s not the casing with EREVs . EREVs can be used completely as an EV in most scenarios , offering prospicient galvanising mountain chain and the performance associated with high - end galvanic motors .

Put but , EREVs rely only on the battery to power the vehicle , with the gas source kicking in to accuse the battery as needed . PHEVs , on the other hired man , rely mostly on the burning locomotive to power the vehicle , blending the power from the locomotive engine and galvanic motors in the Brobdingnagian majority of situations , and provide a short electric range of mountains .

Could I just power my EREV with gas?

Potentially . This largely vary depending on the organisation under the lens hood . For many EREVs , the throttle tank can charge the bombardment as fast or quicker than you could habituate energy from that battery . So theoretically , you could just fill the tank and drive . That say , doing so would be much less efficient than charging the battery , and the kitchen range would be very modified .

Typically , the accelerator tank in an EREV is relatively pocket-sized , and in most case , you should only anticipate to get around 100 to 150 miles of range from the gaseous state armored combat vehicle . That enunciate , in an emergency where there are no charge stations around and you necessitate to get somewhere , you could potentially replenish a tank of accelerator and be utterly all right for another 100 miles or so . It ’s deserving check your specific EREV poser , though , and seeing how fast it can consign the battery using the gas generator .

EREV outlook

EREVs seem like a natural development for the crowd who prefers to buy a plug - in hybrid over an all - electric vehicle . We ’re move toward fully electric vehicles , and it seems unconvincing that EREVs have an ultra - tenacious - full term future before of them . However , they ’re an fantabulous choice for those concerned about range and who do n’t need to to the full do away with the ease of fill up a tank of accelerator pedal , but still desire to mostly bank on galvanising exponent .

Of course , for now , there are very few EREVs usable . We ’ll have to wait and see if they become more popular , or if by the fourth dimension more model come out , it ’s much more convenient to just own an electric vehicle .