The new range extender systems are designed to offer greater range with lower emissions. ZF plans to launch them on the market in 2026.
ZF electric Range Extender and electric Range Extender plus
ZF
Greater range for electric cars: In vehicles with range extenders, a combustion engine generator coupled to an electric motor generates energy for the traction battery. ZF has already installed range extenders in a series of London taxis, among other vehicles. ZF is currently working on a new generation with the electric Range Extender (eRE) and the electric Range Extender plus (eRE+). The eRE combines an electric motor with an integrated inverter, matching software, and planetary gearbox. The eRE+ also features an intelligent clutch and a differential. This allows it to be used either as a power generator or as an additional secondary drive. This saves manufacturers from having to develop a separate component. The power output of both models can be scaled and ranges from 70 to 110 kW (eRE) and 70 to 150 kW (eRE+).
Interest in range extenders is growing not only in the US and Europe. In China in particular, there is currently a veritable model offensive of so-called “range extended electric vehicles” (REEVs). Compared to a plug-in hybrid, the range extender offers lower additional costs for OEMs, shorter development times, lower platform costs, and simplified supply chain management. In addition, the range extender's combustion engine always runs in the most fuel-efficient power range, resulting in lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. “The renewed interest and increased demand for range extenders shows that the potential of this technology is far from exhausted – especially for model platforms that are already designed for battery-electric powertrains,” explains Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Head of Electric Powertrain Development at ZF.
This is a partly automated translation of this german article.
