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If range limits and charge times are deterring you from considering an electric vehicle (EV), range-extended EVs (or range-extender EVs) are an effective alternative to full-battery EVs that enable all-electric driving without the anxiety that comes with it. These range-extended EVs are uniquely different from other types of hybrid cars.
Some automakers claim their range-extended EVs are capable of “unlimited battery-electric range.” This prompts the question, can an EV have unlimited range, or is this just a creative marketing tactic?
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, and other authoritative sources, including MakeUseOf.
The Cybertruck’s Range Extender Adds 130 Miles, But Not Without Compromising On A Crucial Aspect
Tesla’s introduction of the range extender for the Cybertruck is a good move, but it comes at the cost of compromising on another important aspect.
Ram Has Flirted With The Idea Of Unlimited Range
Ram says its 2025 1500 Ramcharger is capable of “unlimited battery-electric range”. As a range-extended EV, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger combines two electric motors, a battery pack, and a V-6 internal combustion engine that powers a generator to power the truck or recharge the battery.
Also known as a series hybrid, there is no mechanical link connecting the engine to the axle. Technically, this means all miles driven are electric only. While the engine-powered generator can keep the batteries charged, this is dependent on the gas tank not running empty. If the gas tank runs empty, you can plug the EV into a charger. In its current form, a range-extended EV can not run perpetually.
In the same breath that Ram boasts the 1500 Ramcharger has unlimited electric range, it notes that the EV debuts with a “class-shattering targeted range of 690 miles.” This is a lot, but this is not unlimited. With a full battery charge and full gas tank, you can only travel approximately 690 miles before some sort of stop is required to recharge or refuel. Without other external technology to support continuous recharging, an EV’s range will always be limited.
“Unlimited” EV Range Seems More Like A Gimmick At This Point
The word “unlimited” when referring to EV range should mean that the battery power supply is endless or unrestricted. At present, no vehicle is truly capable of unlimited EV range. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not possible. There is a technology that exists that could enable unlimited EV range. However, infrastructure, production scaling, and costs are still limiting factors.
Regenerative braking, designed to save energy created when braking and recharging batteries, is not enough to recharge a battery completely (unless perhaps you were driving down a really steep hill for a very long time). Solar panels are another option, but you would need a lot of solar panels on one car to recharge completely every day.
Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, and Honda have both been working on dynamic wireless charging technology, which would require road infrastructure to be power-enabled in order to transfer energy directly to EVs on the go. According to Stellantis, the Fiat 500 EV outfitted with this technology for testing “can travel at typical highway speeds without consuming the energy stored in its battery.”
Range Anxiety: What It Is, Why You Have It, And Why It Shouldn’t Matter
Understand range anxiety in electric vehicles, its psychological roots, and how technology and mindset changes can alleviate it.
There Have Been A Few Range-Extended EVs Over Time
While plug-in hybrids have been growing in popularity, they are distinctly different from range-extended EVs. Only a few automakers have toyed with range-extended EVs in recent years, but not many are still in production or available in the U.S. today. In addition, no other range-extended EV, past or present, has claimed or proven to offer unlimited range.
Aside from the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger, Chevrolet offered the Volt, which was discontinued in 2019. BMW had the i3 Range Extender model until 2021, which could only go up to 200 miles before needing to recharge or refuel. Mazda’s MX-30 EV, which will be discontinued after the 2023 model year, was a flop in the U.S. due to its low range.
Tesla Will Offer The Cybertruck With A Range Extender
There’s the Tesla Cybertruck with the optional Range Extender, but it doesn’t offer an ‘unlimited’ range. However, a range-extended model is offered outside the U.S., but Mazda has no plans to bring it stateside.
If you’re not yet sold on EVs but want to do better than a plug-in hybrid, your options for a new range-extended EV in the U.S. are next to none at this point other than the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger. You will either have to settle for a used model or move outside the U.S. if you feel passionate about this technology.
Unlimited EV Range Is Possible, But The Technology Isn’t Ready Yet
Where Ram claims its new 1500 Ramcharger range-extended truck will have an unlimited range, the automaker also says its new truck will have a targeted range of 690 miles. The “unlimited” part seems nothing more than a creative marketing tactic to emphasize its impressive range. This doesn’t mean unlimited EV range isn’t possible in the future, but range-extended EVs will not be the catalyst that enables that capability.
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