The main function of a gasoline engine is to charge the vehicle's battery or directly drive the vehicle's electric motor, thereby increasing the vehicle's driving range and effectively solving the problem of insufficient driving range for electric vehicles.
The biggest characteristic of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) is their single operating mode; the engine only provides electricity and does not directly participate in driving. Therefore, a REEV drives just like a pure electric vehicle. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of REEVs?
I. Advantages of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles
1. Long pure electric range: Since range-extended electric vehicles are built on the basis of pure electric vehicles, the vehicles originally have a large space reserved for the battery pack. Therefore, range-extended electric vehicles can often be equipped with a larger capacity battery pack, and the pure electric range of the vehicles is naturally better.
2. Smooth power output: Range-extended electric vehicles are always driven by electric motors, so the vehicles can provide users with a smooth driving experience similar to pure electric vehicles. However, it should be noted that the range extender will generate some noise during operation. Although the quietness is not as good as that of electric vehicles, the overall experience is still better than that of plug-in hybrid models.
3. Low maintenance costs: Hybrid vehicles can be divided into series, parallel, and series-parallel types based on their working principle. Among them, range-extended vehicles use the simplest series mode. Because the system structure is relatively simple, objectively speaking, the failure rate of this type of vehicle may be lower, and it is also simpler and cheaper to repair after a vehicle failure.
II. Disadvantages of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles
1. Low energy conversion efficiency: When a range-extended electric vehicle is working, the engine first generates electricity for the battery, and then the battery powers the motor. This requires multiple energy conversions to drive the vehicle, and energy loss is inevitable during this process. The energy conversion efficiency of this vehicle is not as good as that of other direct-drive vehicles.
2. Limited model selection: There are currently relatively few car models available for sale in the domestic market.
3. Not particularly fuel-efficient: Range-extended vehicles are not only equipped with large battery packs, but also have a range-extending system consisting of an engine, fuel tank and other components. Therefore, range-extended vehicles are generally heavier than other models, and their fuel consumption is relatively worse.
