A comprehensive study of range-extended electric vehicles from the perspectives of the technology, policy, market, and design concept

This paper investigates the technical characteristics, policy positioning, and market trend of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) and explores the design concept for REEVs. The results show that REEV is the transition solution in the near to medium term to address the consumers' range anxiety about battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and meet the dual credit policy for automotive manufacturers. The market penetration of REEVs will increase due to the subsidies withdrawn and battery raw material prices rising until the battery cost drops to a predictable value. The technical configuration of that engine generating electricity to drive the traction motor directly is the technology development direction for REEVs. The technical solutions of REEVs (component parameters) should be selected according to the vehicle segment and market positioning. To maximise the technical advantages of REEV, it should develop dedicated hybrid engines (DHEs) and optimise the energy management strategy for the specific REEV.