A New Kind of Hybrid Car Is About to Hit America's Streets

6 hours ago

Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are a new type of hybrid car that uses a gas engine solely to charge the battery, not to power the wheels directly.
The Ram 1500 REV, an EREV pickup truck set to debut soon, offers about 150 miles of electric range and nearly 700 miles total with the gas engine, aiming to reduce range anxiety.
EREVs are positioned as a solution for drivers wary of fully electric vehicles, especially for trucks and SUVs, due to concerns over utility, performance, and long-distance travel.
The shift toward EREVs reflects challenges in the EV market, including slowing sales, high prices, political attacks, and automakers canceling or delaying pure EV models.
EREVs may not address the primary barrier to EV adoption—cost—as they are expected to be more expensive than gas-powered counterparts due to large batteries and additional engine components.
Consumer interest in EREVs is significant, with brands like Scout Motors reporting high demand for models with backup engines over all-electric versions.
EREVs require more maintenance than fully electric cars, which have fewer moving parts and lower upkeep needs.
Range anxiety is diminishing as new electric cars achieve 300–400 miles per charge, and charging infrastructure improves with more high-speed stations available.
EREVs could serve as a transitional technology, helping hesitant drivers adopt electric features while delaying a full shift to zero-emission vehicles.

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