What is an EREV? Explanation of Electric Hybrid Vehicle Technology.
Scout Motors has recently unveiled two new extended-range vehicles (EREV). However, what does EREV really mean and how does it differ from a conventional plug-in hybrid?
One of the biggest obstacles facing potential electric vehicle buyers is range anxiety. Although electric vehicles are improving in this regard, charging time remains considerable compared to that of a gasoline tank. While plug-in hybrids offer a solution, there is another option that also helps alleviate this concern: extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs.
Recently, Scout Motors introduced its Traveler SUV and Terra electric truck, both available as EREVs. But what exactly is an EREV, and how does it help reduce range anxiety?
An EREV combines an electric battery with a gasoline generator to extend the distance the vehicle can travel. These vehicles are fundamentally electric, as the battery is the sole source powering the wheels. This means EREVs can enjoy all the typical advantages of electric vehicles, such as greater mileage in fully electric mode and quicker response times.
The function of the gasoline generator is to provide energy to the battery rather than drive the wheels directly. Generally, the generators in an EREV are smaller compared to internal combustion engines, meaning they are used less frequently, resulting in lower emissions. Additionally, the vehicle remains drivable even if the generator is not in use. Thus, EREVs primarily function as electric cars, allowing the driver to only need to refuel the gasoline tank on special occasions.
In terms of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), these also use a gasoline engine alongside an electric battery. However, EREVs prioritize the use of electric power, while PHEVs have a different focus, offering a more limited electric range and benefiting from the assistance of the combustion engine for longer trips. PHEVs tend to have common drawbacks of electric vehicles, such as shorter range and slower charging times, although they allow for recharging in just a few minutes at a gas station.
In some cases, an EREV might run solely on gasoline, depending on the vehicle's system. For many models, the gasoline tank can charge the battery at a rate that may be equal to or even faster than the battery's energy consumption. However, this would be less efficient than conventionally charging the battery, and the range would be limited.
Typically, gasoline tanks in EREVs are relatively small, generally ranging between 100 and 150 miles of range. In emergency situations where there are no charging stations available, filling up the tank can provide an additional range of about 100 miles.
As we move towards a future with fully electric vehicles, EREVs represent an interesting option for those who prefer plug-in hybrids but have concerns about range, allowing for a combination of the convenience of refueling with gasoline and predominantly using electric power. However, the availability of EREVs is still limited, and it will be interesting to see whether their popularity grows or if pure electric vehicles become the preferred choice soon.
