ZF's Modular EV Range‑Extender Set to Launch in 2026
Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, ZF's range-extenders never use the engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the gas engine powers a generator, which in turn charges the battery or powers an electric motor. The base eRE drives the rear wheels, while the eRE+ adds a planetary gearset, differential, and clutch to support front-wheel assist - or full four-wheel drive.The result is a modular, software-defined drivetrain that works with either 400V or 800V vehicle architectures. The eRE produces between 94 and 148 horsepower, while the eRE+ scales to 201 hp. Carmakers supply their own engines and batteries - ZF handles the rest.It's a concept that echoes similar efforts across the industry. ZF's own range-extender push has been framed as a way to extend EV range without resorting to larger, heavier batteries - a particularly useful idea in midsize crossovers, pickups, and vans where space and weight are major concerns.
ZF isn't alone in this line of thinking. Volkswagen recently revised its future EV platform - the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) - to accommodate optional range extenders. While SSP was originally designed as a pure BEV solution, the company now views a generator-equipped fallback as a pragmatic "safety net" against softening EV demand. The SSP will remain electric-first, but the range-extender update shows just how much the industry's tone has shifted.Likewise, Scout Motors - the VW Group-owned electric off-road brand - is developing its own version of this concept. The upcoming Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup will be available with a "Harvester Range Extender" that promises to boost range to 500 miles. As with ZF's eRE setup, the Harvester system uses a gasoline engine strictly as a generator, not as a means of direct propulsion.What they all share in common is intent: extending range through smarter architecture, not just bigger batteries.
ZF's system is ready for global adoption. Manufacturing begins in 2026, with the company targeting automakers across Europe, China, and North America. BMW is reportedly trialing range-extender concepts with its iX5 hydrogen test vehicles, while other brands - particularly those not developing ground-up EV platforms - are evaluating ZF's solution as a retrofit-friendly option.The company previously worked on range-extender setups for London black cabs and is now investing heavily in modular, powertrain-agnostic components that help manufacturers adapt without overhauling their entire production line.For consumers, that could mean EVs that charge less often, cost less upfront, and offer better winter performance - all without forcing a compromise on driving feel or emissions targets.
The EV narrative isn't collapsing, but it is correcting. Range anxiety hasn't gone away, and infrastructure rollouts are lagging behind adoption rates. Rather than wait for the grid to catch up, companies like ZF are finding ways to meet drivers where they are - with practical, affordable tools that bridge the gap.Range-extenders won't replace pure EVs or hybrids entirely, but as part of a broader strategy, they may prove to be the missing link - a smart compromise in a world that's still figuring out how to plug in.
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Specifications Specifications 2025 Volkswagen Pro S Plus 4Motion Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door van PRICE Base/As Tested: $69,545/$72,035 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: induction AC, 107 hp, 99 lb-ft Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 282 hp, 413 lb-ft Combined Power: 335 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 86.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc,/13.0-in drum Tires: Continental ProContact TX10 F: HL235/50R-20 107T M+S + R: HL265/45R-20 111T M+S + DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 131.1 in Length: 195.4 in Width: 78.1 in Height: 76.2 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 54/60/49 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 146/76/19 ft3 Curb Weight: 6174 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph 100 mph: 16.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 101 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 78 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 190 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 80/87/74 MPGe Range: 231 mi - - - 2025 Volkswagen Pro S Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door van PRICE Base/As Tested: $61,545/$66,040 POWERTRAIN Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC Power: 282 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 0 rpm Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 86.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW Transmission: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/13.0-in drum Tires: Continental ProContact TX110 F: HL235/50R-20 107T M+S + R: HL265/45R-20 111T M+S + DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 127.5 in Length: 195.4 in Width: 78.1 in Height: 76.2 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 52/58/49 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 146/76/19 ft3 Curb Weight: 5939 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 6.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.3 sec @ 90 mph 100 mph: 20.6 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 101 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 51 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 180 mi Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 137 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 33 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 83/90/75 MPGe Range: 234 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
