Hyundai is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its innovative Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). This groundbreaking vehicle, set to combine the power of an electric motor with an internal combustion engine, promises to deliver an impressive range of up to 1,000 kilometres (approximately 560 miles) on a single charge. This move aims to address the pervasive issue of range anxiety that has long plagued electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Unlike traditional EVs, Hyundai’s EREV utilizes an internal combustion engine (ICE) specifically designed to recharge the battery. This hybrid approach enables the vehicle to travel substantial distances without the frequent need for recharging. The EREV can achieve up to 900 kilometres on a full charge, making it an ideal choice for vast regions such as the US, China, and Canada.
Hyundai plans to launch this new model in 2027, with mass production set to begin in North America and China by 2026. The Korean automaker believes that EREVs could overcome the limitations faced by conventional EVs, providing a more versatile and practical solution for long-distance travel.
“Hyundai Motor is dedicated not only to improving battery performance but also to ensuring that EVs are affordable, safe and easy to maintain,” Hyundai says. (source pcmag)
The initial EREV offerings will include D-class SUVs under the Hyundai and Genesis brands, with models like the Santa Fe and GV70 leading the charge. These vehicles will feature a battery, motor, and engine configuration similar to hybrid vehicles. However, the EREV’s setup is unique, employing a new powertrain and power electronics (PT/PE) system that enables four-wheel drive through the use of two motors.
Hyundai is committed to sustainability, and its EV lineup reflects this dedication. The company’s EVs, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), boast fast-charging capabilities—sometimes in as little as 18 minutes—and advanced technology such as over-the-air updates and smart regenerative braking.
Hyundai aims to sell around 80,000 EREV units annually. In a strategic move, both Hyundai and Kia plan to incorporate EREV technology into their pickup trucks, with models codenamed TE and TV set for release in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
ALSO READ: Hyundai and Kia Unveil Zero-Emission Hydrogen Engine Set to Disrupt the EV Market
Rumors suggest that Hyundai’s EREV could be more affordable than traditional EVs due to its smaller battery capacity. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the extended range, makes the EREV an attractive option for a broader market segment.
“This vehicle serves as a key bridge to electrification,” Hyundai says. “It provides EREV customers with a responsive EV-like driving experience, allowing consumers to naturally transition to EVs during future demand recovery periods.” (source pcmag)
Hyundai’s foray into the EREV market puts it in direct competition with Chinese automakers such as Li Auto, Xiaomi, and Nio, who have also launched EREVs.
The new Hyundai EREV model, developed on a compact SUV platform, aligns with market trends and the need for practical electric cars with ample storage space. The powertrain layout, combining a high-storage battery pack with an ICE, provides a flexible and sustainable transportation solution.
According to ecoticias, the EREV offers flexibility in terms of energy replenishment. The battery can be charged using standard EV charging equipment, and the ICE can recharge the battery or supply electricity to the motors. This dual capability allows drivers to choose the most convenient power source based on their circumstances and the available infrastructure.
