An EREV looks and feels like a traditional EV. It uses a battery to power an electric motor, delivers instant torque, and can be plugged in at home or at a DC fast charger. But here’s the difference: when the battery runs low, a small gasoline engine kicks in, not to drive the wheels directly, but to act as a generator that recharges the battery.

In other words, it’s like an EV that comes with an additional range safety net.

Why EREV Tech Matters Now

For years, extended-range EVs were considered a niche experiment. But with EV adoption slowing and consumers voicing real concerns about charging access and range anxiety, this technology is staging a comeback.

The appeal is obvious: EREVs give drivers the best of both worlds. Daily commutes can be powered entirely by electricity, but when it’s time for a road trip, the backup generator ensures the journey continues seamlessly. Some EREVs on the market today can stretch total range to more than 600 miles, with concept models pushing close to 900 miles. That’s further than many gas-powered cars.

They also could be cheaper to produce, around 10% less costly than pure BEVs given smaller batteries and lighter than plug-in hybrids, since they don’t need heavy transmissions or oversized engines. For automakers looking to balance regulations, costs, and consumer demand, the business case is strong.

EREV system diagram, source: https://www.autocarpro.in/

Automakers Betting on EREV Tech

A growing list of OEMs are embracing EREV technology:

• BMW i3 REx was one of the first to show how a compact gas generator could eliminate range anxiety.
• Stellantis is launching the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, with 145 miles of all-electric range and a V6 generator extending total range to nearly 700 miles.
• Volkswagen’s spin-off Scout Motors has already seen 25% of its pre-orders go to the “Extender” model, which boosts range beyond 500 miles.
• Mazda MX-30 R-EV is already on sale in Europe, using a lightweight rotary engine as its extender.
• Hyundai has announced plans for an EREV with up to 560 miles of range, targeting North America and China by 2027.
• Karma Revero blends luxury design with BMW-sourced generator tech, a premium showcase of extended-range engineering.

Each example shows the same trend: automakers realize that many consumers want EV performance and sustainability without the fear of running out of power.

BMW i3 REx, source: https://www.greencarreports.com/

What This Means for Dealerships

For dealerships, EREV tech is more than a new powertrain - it’s a way to win trust and reach another shopper segment. Customers are asking tough questions:

“How far can I go with an EV?”

“What if I can’t find a charger?”

“Am I really ready for an EV?”

When considering an EREV, buyers may also ask themselves:

“How far does this EREV go once the generator kicks in?”

“What charging port does it use?”

“Will an EREV be cheaper to drive than a gas vehicle?”

An EREV can be the right fit in the near term (especially for people based in rural areas) letting customers drive electric daily while keeping a fuel safety net for longer trips. Dealers who clearly explain the “EREV advantage”, and merchandise EREVs with range, charging, and cost clarity on their websites will convert EV- and EREV-curious shoppers into buyers. One simple way to do this is adding EV merchandising tools like Lectrium’s Range Map (address-based EV range visualization) and the EV Savings Badge (savings calculator that estimates fuel cost savings for each vehicle in your inventory).

The Takeaway

EREV Tech may not replace BEVs long-term, but in the short and medium term, it’s the bridge technology that could unlock the next wave of adoption. It’s practical, it’s scalable, and it speaks directly to consumer concerns.

As BMW, Stellantis, Hyundai, Karma, and others double down, one thing is clear: Extended-Range Electric Vehicles are back in the spotlight, and the Powertrain complexity in Automotive continues to grow.