VW Might Add Gas Engines to Its EVs After All

Volkswagen might change its direction and create a lineup of extended-range EVs instead of simply going all-in on electric vehicles.

Many automakers saw a surge of demand for electric vehicles, especially when Chevrolet offered the first Bolt EV, and Tesla created the Model 3. This surge of demand caused many brands to leapfrog over the natural progression of powertrains, which would be to go from gas to hybrid to plug-in hybrid to EV. Some automakers, including Volkswagen, are reversing course and could add hybrid electric vehicles to their lineups to be smart EV range anxiety solutions that will be more acceptable to drivers in the short term.

VW going with EREV vehicles instead

VW is rethinking its electrification strategy and could start selling extended-range EVs in the U.S. and Europe. These vehicles run on battery power most of the time but have a small gas engine that kicks in as a generator when the battery gets low. It’s VW’s answer to range anxiety and slowing EV sales, and they’re far from alone. BMW, Stellantis, and Scout Motors are all heading in the same direction. The technology is already baked into VW’s next platform, so it’s really just a matter of when dealers will see these models hit showrooms. China gets them first in 2026, and VW says U.S. availability depends entirely on whether American buyers actually want them.

What could hold back Volkswagen extended-range EVs in the United States?

Range extender technology is still fairly new to the market and is much more similar to a fully-electric powertrain than a hybrid model. Although many drivers might find an EREV appealing, the changes in American policies regarding powertrains, fuel mileage, and the movement toward electrification create a scenario in which electric vehicles aren’t desirable. The end of the Federal EV Tax Credit, loss of funding for public charging stations, and a reversal of CAFÉ standards create a market in which V8 power is much more desirable than hybrid efficiency. Couple this with the continued drop in overall gas prices, and it makes sense for Volkswagen to be cautious about entering the US market with extended-range EVs.

How can EREVs benefit drivers?

Extended-range EVs are similar to plug-in hybrid vehicles, but the gas-powered engine doesn’t power the wheels. The electric motors power the wheels, and the gas engine adds charge to the batteries when necessary. This is the perfect blend of gas and electric for some drivers who want the benefits of an electric powertrain but don’t want the worries of range anxiety. An EREV is the ideal transition from gas/electric to electric, allowing a driver to experience the driving mannerisms of an EV while enjoying the benefits of a gas engine and the plethora of fuel stations available to them.

Reversing course seems to be a common theme

Volkswagen’s movement to extended-range EVs isn’t unique in the current market. Other automakers are reversing course, seeing the benefits of hybrids and plug-in hybrids for their lineups. Several are also adding EREVs to the mix, including Scout Motors with longer-range electric vehicles as part of its launch strategy for the Scout Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV. The extended-range EV platform first presented in the Ram 1500 Ramcharger will also be used in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Hyundai intends to add range-extender vehicles to its larger vehicle mix.

What are the pros and cons of EREVs?

Pros

• Less Range Anxiety:This is the biggest challenge for many EV drivers, and having a gas-powered engine to power the battery makes all the difference
• Smooth Power Delivery:Electric motors deliver instant torque and smooth power that isn’t disrupted by gear changes. An EREV offers this smooth benefit of EV driving with the peace of mind of a gas engine
• Fewer Emissions:The engine runs at an optimized and efficient speed to keep emissions low due to the lack of constant force changes required of gas-powered vehicles

Cons

• Higher Purchase Price:Compared to a pure EV or gas-powered vehicle, an EREV is more expensive. It has both systems onboard, which leads to the increased price
• Potentially Less Passenger Volume:With more powertrain items aboard, more space is required to include all the required components of an EREV, which could cut into the passenger space
• Complex Maintenance:Tight packaging and the need to understand EV technology are part of the required maintenance challenges with EREVs. This means routine service can be more expensive than both ICE and EV models

Would you consider driving one of the new Volkswagen extended-range EVs if they become a reality? Will VW bring these vehicles to the United States, or is our market a bad risk for EREVs?