What extended range electric cars are and how they differ from regular electric cars

An extended range electric car (sometimes called a range-extended electric vehicle or REEV) has two power sources: a battery that runs on electricity, and a small gas engine that kicks in when the battery runs low. The gas engine does not drive the wheels directly. Instead, it powers a generator that charges the battery while you drive, giving you extra miles beyond what the battery alone could provide.

This is different from a regular electric car, which runs only on battery power and has no gas engine at all. It is also different from a hybrid, where the gas engine and electric motor both drive the wheels at different times. In an extended range car, the gas engine's only job is to recharge the battery pack.

The result is that you can drive an extended range car on electricity for daily trips, then use the gas engine for longer drives without stopping to charge. You still plug it in at home or at a charger, just like a regular electric car, but the gas engine gives you a backup when you cannot charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Extended range electric cars run on battery power for most daily driving, with a small gas engine that generates electricity to extend your range on longer trips.
  • You plug them in to charge like a regular electric car, but the gas engine means you do not have to find a charger if the battery runs low.
  • They typically cost $5,000 to $10,000 more than a comparable regular electric car, depending on the model and year.
  • Federal tax credits may reduce the purchase price, though the amount depends on the vehicle's battery size and where it is assembled.
  • Extended range cars make sense if you take frequent long trips but do not have reliable charging access on the road.

How the battery and gas engine work together

When you start an extended range car, it draws power from the battery first. The gas engine stays off as long as the battery has charge. For most people, this means the engine never runs on a typical day — you drive to work, to the store, and back home, all on electricity.

Once the battery drops to a set level (usually around 20 to 30 percent), the gas engine automatically starts and runs a generator. The generator produces electricity that charges the battery while you drive. The engine runs at a steady, efficient speed rather than speeding up and slowing down like it would in a regular car, which is why it uses less fuel.

You can also manually start the gas engine before the battery gets low if you know you are about to drive a long distance. This keeps the battery charged and ready for city driving when you reach your destination. Some models let you set a minimum battery level that triggers the engine to start.

Real-world driving range and fuel economy

Extended range cars typically offer 25 to 50 miles of all-electric range, depending on the model. This covers most daily commutes without using any gas. Once the gas engine starts, you can drive another 150 to 300 miles before you need to refuel, depending on the car's fuel tank size and engine efficiency.

Fuel economy varies widely. When the gas engine is running, these cars often achieve 25 to 35 miles per gallon, which is better than a regular gas car but worse than a regular electric car's per-mile cost. The real savings come from using electricity for your daily driving, where it is cheaper than gas.

Your actual range depends on driving conditions, weather, and how much you use the gas engine. Cold weather reduces battery range, just as it does in regular electric cars. Highway driving at high speeds also uses more energy than city driving.

Purchase price and federal tax credits

Extended range electric cars typically cost between $35,000 and $65,000 before any credits or incentives. They generally cost $5,000 to $10,000 more than a comparable regular electric car from the same manufacturer, because of the added gas engine and generator.

The federal tax credit for electric vehicles can reduce the price by up to $7,500, though the actual amount depends on the vehicle's battery size, where it was assembled, and your household income. Not all extended range models may have access to for the full credit, and some do not may have access to at all. You can check the current list of may be able to access vehicles on the U.S. Department of Energy website.

Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicles. A few states also offer special incentives for extended range cars specifically. Check your state's energy office website to see what is available where you live.

When an extended range car makes sense for your situation

Extended range cars work best if you take frequent trips longer than your battery range but do not have reliable charging access on the road. For example, if you drive 40 miles to work every day and charge at home, but also take weekend trips to see family 200 miles away, an extended range car lets you make that trip without stopping to charge.

They also make sense if you live in an area with few public chargers, or if you rent your home and cannot install a home charger. You get the daily savings of electric driving without the range anxiety that comes with a regular electric car in areas with sparse charging infrastructure.

Extended range cars are less useful if you have reliable access to fast chargers, take very few long trips, or drive mostly on highways. In those cases, a regular electric car or a plug-in hybrid might be a better fit. If you rarely drive more than 50 miles a day and have home charging, a regular electric car will save you more money over time.

Maintenance and fuel costs compared to other cars

Extended range cars have lower maintenance costs than regular gas cars because the gas engine runs less often and at steady speeds. You still need oil changes, but less frequently — typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles instead of every 5,000 miles. The battery and electric motor have no oil, spark plugs, or transmission fluid to maintain.

Fuel costs depend on how much you use the gas engine. If you drive 100 miles a week and 80 of those miles are on electricity, you might spend $10 to $15 a week on gas and $5 to $8 on electricity. A regular gas car doing the same 100 miles would cost $15 to $20 a week on gas alone. A regular electric car would cost $5 to $8 a week on electricity.

Tire wear and brake wear are similar to regular electric cars because regenerative braking (where the car captures energy when you slow down) reduces brake use. Battery replacement is rare during the car's life, and most manufacturers cover the battery for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Popular extended range electric car models

The BMW i3 with range extender was one of the first extended range cars sold in the United States and is still available used. The Chevrolet Volt, produced until 2019, was a popular extended range sedan with about 50 miles of electric range. The Cadillac ELR, based on the Volt, offered a more upscale version.

Newer models include the BMW i5 eDrive40 with range extender and the BMW i7 xDrive50e with range extender, both luxury sedans. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid (which is similar but lets both engines drive the wheels) with about 25 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport PHEV and Range Rover PHEV offer extended range capability in SUV form.

The market for extended range cars is smaller than the market for regular electric cars or plug-in hybrids. Availability varies by region and year. If you are considering a used extended range car, check the battery warranty status and total mileage before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive an extended range car on electricity only if I want to?

Yes. The gas engine only starts when the battery drops to a set level, usually around 20 to 30 percent. If you charge every night and drive less than your electric range during the day, the gas engine may never run. You can also manually start it before a long trip if you prefer not to rely on the battery.

Do I need a special charger at home for an extended range car?

No, but it helps. Extended range cars can charge on a standard 120-volt outlet, though it takes much longer — often 12 to 24 hours for a full charge. A 240-volt home charger (Level 2) charges in 4 to 8 hours and is more practical if you drive daily. Installation typically costs $500 to $2,000.

What happens if I run out of gas while the engine is running?

The gas engine stops, and you continue driving on battery power until the battery is empty. You then have no power. This is rare because the gas engine is designed to run efficiently for extended periods, and you can refuel at any gas station. Always keep some gas in the tank if you plan to use the engine regularly.

Is an extended range car better for the environment than a regular gas car?

Yes, if you charge using electricity from the grid. Even if your grid uses fossil fuels, electric motors are more efficient than gas engines, so you produce fewer emissions per mile. If your grid uses renewable energy, the environmental benefit is much larger. Extended range cars produce fewer emissions than regular gas cars but more than regular electric cars.

Can I tow a trailer with an extended range car?

Some models can, but towing reduces your electric range significantly and increases fuel consumption. Check the manufacturer's specifications for your specific model. Towing capacity varies widely — some extended range cars cannot tow at all, while others can tow 1,500 to 3,500 pounds.