Volkswagen Considering Introducing Extended-Range EVs in Europe
Volkswagen Group is seriously considering introducing range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) technology to the European market, Martin Sander, head of VW brand sales, said at the recent Shanghai Auto Show.
Think of the Chevrolet Volt
EREVs combine an electric platform with a combustion engine acting as a generator to recharge the battery once it is depleted. This significantly increases the vehicle's total range, while still allowing for most motorists to drive almost exclusively in electric mode.
Currently, only Leapmotor (a Chinese brand partially owned by Stellantis) and Mazda sell EREVs in Europe.
Technology to meet European challenges
Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has called on the European Union to consider an exemption for EREVs in the 2035 target aimed at only allowing the sale of zero-emission vehicles. In his view, these vehicles could facilitate the transition to electrification for many consumers.
A pragmatic approach inspired by China
Blume points to the pragmatic way in which China is pushing towards electrification without imposing a strict ban on internal combustion engines. And as it happens, Volkswagen presented its first range-extended vehicle concept for the Chinese market in Shanghai this year. The VW ID. Era three-row SUV promises 300 km of pure electric range, to which the combustion engine adds another 700 km when needed.