Scout Motors reignites buzz around extended-range EVs

Scout Motors is sparking new conversations in the car world about extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) following the recent reveal of its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup.

Digging in: The new Scout Motors EVs – scheduled to go into production in 2025 – feature variants equipped with extended-range technology. But what exactly is an EREV, and what, if any, impact could it have on the challenges the auto industry faces to get more car shoppers to buy into the idea of going electric? 

First things first: In theory, an extended-range electric vehicle functions much like a plug-in hybrid. But there are some fundamental differences between the two, which could prove highly beneficial in getting more buyers to consider EVs.

• Like a plug-in hybrid, an EREV is powered by an electric motor and a gas engine. But in the case of an EREV, the battery is much larger, and the gas engine doesn’t drive the wheels as is the case with a plug-in hybrid.

• Instead of driving the wheels, the gas engine in an EREV can recharge the battery, functioning as a small generator to provide extended range when the vehicle is in motion.    

• An EREV is also considered more efficient than a traditional ICE vehicle, given that the engine in an EREV is smaller and operates at a constant, highly efficient rotation speed.

Digging deeper: An EREV isn’t an entirely new concept − though the technology has evolved over the past few years.

• The Chevrolet Volt, which was introduced in 2010, was an extended-range electric vehicle. 

• Jaguar introduced an EREV concept, the C-X75, the same year as the Volt, though the project never gained traction. 

• Years later, the BMW i3 EV was introduced with a range-extender option, but it didn’t appeal to buyers. 

Moving forward: In addition to Scout Motors, several other manufacturers are charging up to launch EREVs in North America.   

• In 2025, Stellantis is expected to begin selling the EREV version of its Ram 1500 pickup, the Ramcharger, which is expected to have a 690-mile range.   

• Nissan is expected to introduce EREV models by 2026 as part of its electrification strategy.

• Hyundai plans to begin mass-producing a new EREV in North America and China by the end of 2026, with sales scheduled to begin in 2027. 

Final Note: Given the ongoing challenges to getting massive buy-in on electric vehicles (among car buyers and car sales associates), EREVs could serve as a viable waypoint to the wider adoption of EVs.

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