ZF pushes range extender technology to the next level: A boost for the electric range

With the electric Range Extender (eRE) system, ZF is currently developing a range extender for the next generation. The modular platform approach allows the technology to respond to dynamic customer and market requirements (image courtesy ZF)
With the electric Range Extender (eRE) system, ZF is currently developing a range extender for the next generation. The modular platform approach allows the technology to respond to dynamic customer and market requirements (image courtesy ZF)
With the electric Range Extender (eRE) system, ZF is currently developing a range extender for the next generation. The modular platform approach allows the technology to respond to dynamic customer and market requirements (image courtesy ZF)
With the electric Range Extender (eRE) system, ZF is currently developing a range extender for the next generation. The modular platform approach allows the technology to respond to dynamic customer and market requirements (image courtesy ZF)

Many potential buyers of electric vehicles still feel the so-called range anxiety that accompanies all-electric driving. In these cases, range extenders can be one solution: A combustion-powered generator that is coupled to an electric motor and thus generates energy for the vehicle battery. ZF is now introducing its new generation of this technology, which will go into volume production in 2026. Designed to meet increasing global demand, this further development is ideally suited to meet dynamic market and customer requirements as well as flexible drive concepts.

It is an unnerving scenario for many electric drivers: the battery’s state of charge dropping to near zero with no charging station in sight. “Although the all-electric range of passenger cars is around 500 km on average, range anxiety still influences a wide range of buyers when choosing their next vehicle,” explains Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Senior Vice President R&D, Electrified Powertrain Technology. This is especially true in regions where a charging infrastructure is not yet universally available. ZF is currently developing the next generation of range extenders for these situations. “These represent a real alternative to larger – and thus more expensive – batteries or plug-in hybrids,” says Dr. Scharrer.

With a range extender, drivers can enjoy the advantages of electromobility without having to sacrifice the flexibility of a classic combustion engine or plug-in hybrid vehicle (image courtesy ZF)

With range extenders, a combustion-powered engine is coupled to an electric motor that generates power for the vehicle battery as soon as its state of charge drops below a certain threshold. As the name implies, this increases the range that can be driven electrically. A further advantage over PHEVs or conventional combustion engines is that the range extender unit always operates in the ideal performance range for fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

ZF’s range extender technology: A lot of experience, new developments
ZF already has range extender technology in volume production and amongst other vehicles, it was installed in the iconic London taxi. ZF is currently working on the next generation, with the electric Range Extender (eRE) and the electric Range Extender plus (eRE+).

Both variants are highly integrated designs that are flexible in terms of performance, E/E architecture, 400V or 800V and semiconductor type. The eRE connects an electric motor with an integrated inverter, suitable software and planetary gearset. The eRE+ also has an intelligent clutch and a differential. As a result, it can be used either as a current generator or as an additional secondary drive which saves manufacturers developing a separate component. Performance can be scaled for both models. The output ranges from 70 to 110 kW (eRE) or 70 to 150 kW (eRE+). “The new interest and the increased demand for range extenders shows that the potential of this technology is far from exhausted – in particular for model platforms that are already designed for battery-electric drivelines,” says Scharrer while adding: “Behind our solutions is a system and platform concept. This means that we are optimally equipped to be able to respond to all customer and market requirements with shorter development cycles.”

The advantages of range extenders for manufacturers and customers
Compared to parallel-hybrid drive solutions, for example a PHEV, range extenders are compelling due to their lower additional costs, shorter development cycles, reduced platform integration effort and simplified supply chain management. This makes the technology particularly interesting for manufacturers who are new to the market and may have little experience with traditional combustion engine drivelines. China is currently embarking on a model offensive with so-called “Range Extended Electric Vehicles” (REEV), which, thanks to the technology, can cover distances of more than 700 kilometres. “This is where we find it convenient that there is a wide range of BEV platforms that can be supplemented by range extenders,” explains Scharrer. This was one reason why ZF locations in China headed up development.

However, the interest of manufacturers is also increasing in the USA and Europe. “The market for all-electric vehicles has not developed as much as predicted a few years ago,” says Scharrer. “For this intermediate phase, range extenders can be the ideal solution.”  REEV drivers can enjoy the advantages of electromobility without having to sacrifice the flexibility of PHEVs or combustion engine passenger cars. Range extenders are also of interest for traditional manufacturers. They allow smaller (and therefore more economical) vehicle batteries to be installed and help to comply with emission limit values for fleets.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment





More in News

Automobili Lamborghini ignites DreamHack Dallas 2025 with a fusion of gaming, performance and innovation

Automobili Lamborghini made history at DreamHack Dallas 2025, becoming the ...

Three-millionth electrified vehicle rolls off BMW Group’s Munich production line

The three-millionth electrified vehicle rolled off the assembly line today ...

Lamborghini at the forefront of elegance and speed on Lake Como

Between 24 and 25 May 2025, Lake Como hosted two ...

Alfa Romeo Tip B (P3) Wins Concorso D’Eleganza ‘Best In Show’

The Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3) from 1934 won the ...

Aston Martin Valhalla makes global public dynamic debut ahead of Monaco Grand Prix

Aston Martin Valhalla made its global public dynamic debut ahead ...

Trending on Motoring Chronicle

H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco drives the new McLaren Artura Spider for honorary lap of Monaco Grand Prix

The new high-performance hybrid McLaren Artura Spider today made its ...

Seven storied Rolls-Royces celebrate 120 years at Salon Privé Concours

In tribute to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ 120th anniversary this year, Salon ...
Features Of A Family Car

10 Must-have Features Of A Family Car

The features of a family car should put the family ...

Rolls-Royce celebrates floral art in Chelsea with Spectre

The ongoing success of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is based upon ...

‘Cadillac of Reservations’ fine dining experience adds restaurants in LA, Miami, SF

Cadillac's limited-time dining experience "Cadillac of Reservations" is expanding to ...