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Ford Bronco goes electric, still not for Australia
Ford Bronco goes electric, still not for Australia

The Advertiser

time5 days ago

  • Automotive
  • The Advertiser

Ford Bronco goes electric, still not for Australia

An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:

Kia Telluride May Add Game-Changing 600-Mile EREV Option
Kia Telluride May Add Game-Changing 600-Mile EREV Option

Miami Herald

time12-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Miami Herald

Kia Telluride May Add Game-Changing 600-Mile EREV Option

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have been two of the most respected and successful three-row crossovers since they launched a couple of years ago. The Palisade came first, which is why it's the first of the two to receive a second generation. However, Hyundai and Kia often develop related models in unison, and the all-new Telluride won't be far behind. According to a report by the South Korean newspaper Maeil Business, the next Telluride could have a bold new Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrain, which could be a game-changer for the segment. Kia is said to be evaluating this powertrain for its three-row SUV. Announced by Kia earlier this year at the 2025 Kia CEO Investor Day, the EREV powertrain features electric motors that power the wheels. There is also a gas engine - in this case, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder - but it's used exclusively as a generator to recharge the batteries. This allows the vehicle to function as a normal EV for the most part, while the gas engine completely eliminates range anxiety by keeping the batteries charged. In fact, a range of over 600 miles is possible with this setup, which far surpasses the maximum range of today's modern EVs. For instance, the current Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV can only manage up to 304 miles on a full charge. According to the report, the EREV system is said to be under consideration for the next Telluride, which would complement the more conventional hybrid that's also expected for the next Telluride. We already know the new Palisade is available with a 329-horsepower powertrain, and since the two SUVs have always been closely related, we expect the same powertrain in the new Telluride. The potential combination of a gas model, a new hybrid, and an EREV for the next Telluride would represent the most diverse range of powertrains in a single three-row SUV model. Kia's future EREV would not be the first powertrain of its kind. The discontinued BMW i3 REx had a gas range extender powertrain to increase range, while a more modern example is the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which has a targeted range of 690 miles, thanks to its 3.6-liter V6 that acts as a generator. However, a possible Kia Telluride EREV would be one of the first SUVs and three-row models to incorporate such a powertrain. Performance and powertrains aside, the next Kia Telluride has already been spied. The details remain hidden, but we expect a boxier look than the current model and visual cues that are shared with the futuristic EV9. We expect the new Telluride to be unveiled before the end of 2025. Hopefully, Kia will confirm the possibility of the EREV powertrain as an option by then. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range
As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range

Yahoo

time01-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range

Major automakers are set to resurrect a type of hybrid vehicle that seemed dead in the U.S. just a few years ago to meet a changing consumer demand landscape. Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are a form of plug-in hybrid that falls midway between traditional hybrids and full EVs. EREV cars and trucks rely on battery powered motors for propulsion (like an EV) but also have a relatively small gas engine to use as a generator to keep the batteries charged up (like a typical hybrid). A key difference between EREVs and other hybrids is the relative size of their batteries and gas engines. Mainstream hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the Toyota Prius still rely on combustion engines as their main means of propulsion. Thus, they have proportionately smaller batteries, but substantial gas engines that are directly connected to their drivetrains to help move the car. EREVs are much more focused on the electric side of the equation, so they tend to have bigger batteries than other hybrids, but comparatively small gas engines that solely function as generators to top off the batteries when examples of this type of vehicle — the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma — were introduced to the U.S market in 2011. These were followed by the BMW i3 and Cadillac ELR in 2014. But EREVs (also known as Range Extended Electric Vehicles, or REEVs), never attracted much interest from American consumers. The Volt was the most popular EREV by far, with GM selling 157,000 over nine years, until it ended production in 2019. That may seem impressive, but it's a blip in the overall U.S. new vehicle market, which saw about 16 million sales each year in that timeframe. The last EREV sold domestically was the i3, which BMW discontinued in 2022. While there are no new EREVs for sale in the U.S., several are in the pipeline. This includes an upcoming version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck, set to come to market in early 2026. A Ram spokesman noted that it will have the longest driving range the company has ever offered in a light-duty truck, up to 690 total miles between its gas engine and battery power. An EREV version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is also under development, according to the company. Volkswagen is planning to begin production of an EREV pickup truck and SUV under the Scout brand name starting in 2027. Hyundai Motors plans to introduce EREV versions of its mid-sized SUVs by the end of 2026, according to a spokesman. The vehicles are expected to have more than 560 miles of range, and be sold under the Hyundai and Genesis brands. In addition, a Nissan spokesman confirmed that the company is considering offering EREV options in its mid-size and larger SUVs. 'They do offer advantages versus 100% EVs when it comes to hauling and towing,' he said, 'allowing greater driving range without the need for a large capacity battery, as well as faster refueling.' James Martin, the director of consulting services at S&P Global Mobility, says one reason manufacturers are turning to EREVs is lower production costs. EREV use of smaller and less expensive batteries than full EVs allows manufacturers to keep their expenses down. EREVs are also less complex than plug-in hybrids, Martin said. PHEVs have two functioning propulsion systems and sophisticated controls to allow them to communicate with each other. Most EREVs, by contrast, are solely propelled by their electric motors. But one of the biggest advantages of EREVs is range. In China, where EREVs are gaining in popularity, the manufacturer BYD offers mid-sized sedans with more than 1,300 miles of claimed range. EREVs also alleviate range anxiety due to the ubiquity of gas stations. Consumers can just fill up with gasoline to charge the battery if a charging port is unavailable. The new EREVs can travel more than 100 miles on batteries alone, then hundreds more using gasoline. 'Range anxiety is still a factor when it comes to choosing an electric vehicle over an internal combustion vehicle,' said K. Venkatesh Prasad, senior vice president of research and chief innovation officer at the Center for Automotive Research. 'EREVs, allay the range anxiety concern,' he said. These hybrids may especially appeal to consumers who frequently travel long distances, and getting more consumers used to plugging in their vehicles might also appeal to manufacturers. 'The actual charging experience of EREVs is very similar to that of BEVs,' Prasad said. 'So, the market adoption of EREVs is likely to be seen as a good ramp to future BEV purchase considerations,' he added. Charging infrastructure is still lagging in many areas of the U.S., according to executive analyst Karl Brauer, which can make a full EV impractical for consumers. EREVs avoid that issue and may also be attractive to consumers who live in apartments or houses that lack charging stations. A recent report from McKinsey noted that EREVs could also combat cost concerns among consumers, noting that the smaller batteries can shave off as much as $6,000 in powertrain production costs, compared to BEVs. Another factor, according to McKinsey, is that both domestic and European manufacturers have seen how EREVs have gained sales momentum in China, a sign the technology may help to increase electrification adoption in their own marketplaces. 'We expect all levels of hybridization to increase production in North America throughout the decade,' said Eric Anderson, the associate director of Americas light vehicle powertrain forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. Hybrids, including EREVs, are a 'relatively affordable way for consumers to move up the electrification ladder without a significant monthly payment increase, he said. While the EV vehicle market continued to grow last year, the pace of growth has slowed considerably. 'The BEV market is in the process of shifting from early adopters to a more price-conscious buyer,' Anderson said. Domestic sales of hybrids grew from 1,175,456 in 2023 to 1,609,035 in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a 37% increase. Plug-in hybrids grew 10% in the same period — from 293,578 to 321,774. By comparison, fully electric EVs saw 7% growth, from 1,164,638 to 1,247,656. While overall sales of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continues to dominate, its market share has fallen every year since 2015, according to Edmunds. Last year, ICE vehicle sales fell to 80.8% of total U.S. sales, down from 84% in 2023. Another attribute that might make EREVs popular with consumers is resale value. Hybrids — which includes EREVs and more common plug-in hybrids — depreciate less than EVs or traditional gas vehicles. Since depreciation is the most expensive part of car ownership, finding a vehicle that better retains its value can provide consumers with significant savings. By contrast, electric cars and trucks lose value faster than any other vehicle type — dropping by 58.8% after five years, compared to the overall vehicle depreciation average of 45.6% and only 40.7% for hybrids, according to research from iSeeCars. 'Electric vehicle sales have been slowing on both the new and used market, with EVs sitting on dealer lots longer despite falling prices,' Brauer said. 'Consumers are showing increasing appreciation for hybrid vehicles, creating a friendly environment for automakers to introduce more plug-in hybrids as an intermediate step toward full electric vehicles.' Ram 1500 extended range hybrid pickup, set to come to market in early 2026, will have the longest driving range the company has ever offered in a light-duty truck, up to 690 total miles between its gas engine and battery | Stellantis This article was originally published on

As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range
As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range

NBC News

time31-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • NBC News

As EVs stumble, automakers are bringing back a kind of hybrid that promises long range

Major automakers are set to resurrect a type of hybrid vehicle that seemed dead in the U.S. just a few years ago to meet a changing consumer demand landscape. Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are a form of plug-in hybrid that falls midway between traditional hybrids and full EVs. EREV cars and trucks rely on battery powered motors for propulsion (like an EV) but also have a relatively small gas engine to use as a generator to keep the batteries charged up (like a typical hybrid). A key difference between EREVs and other hybrids is the relative size of their batteries and gas engines. Mainstream hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the Toyota Prius still rely on combustion engines as their main means of propulsion. Thus, they have proportionately smaller batteries, but substantial gas engines that are directly connected to their drivetrains to help move the car. EREVs are much more focused on the electric side of the equation, so they tend to have bigger batteries than other hybrids, but comparatively small gas engines that solely function as generators to top off the batteries when examples of this type of vehicle — the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma — were introduced to the U.S market in 2011. These were followed by the BMW i3 and Cadillac ELR in 2014. But EREVs (also known as Range Extended Electric Vehicles, or REEVs), never attracted much interest from American consumers. The Volt was the most popular EREV by far, with GM selling 157,000 over nine years, until it ended production in 2019. That may seem impressive, but it's a blip in the overall U.S. new vehicle market, which saw about 16 million sales each year in that timeframe. The last EREV sold domestically was the i3, which BMW discontinued in 2022. While there are no new EREVs for sale in the U.S., several are in the pipeline. This includes an upcoming version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck, set to come to market in early 2026. A Ram spokesman noted that it will have the longest driving range the company has ever offered in a light-duty truck, up to 690 total miles between its gas engine and battery power. An EREV version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is also under development, according to the company. Volkswagen is planning to begin production of an EREV pickup truck and SUV under the Scout brand name starting in 2027. Hyundai Motors plans to introduce EREV versions of its mid-sized SUVs by the end of 2026, according to a spokesman. The vehicles are expected to have more than 560 miles of range, and be sold under the Hyundai and Genesis brands. In addition, a Nissan spokesman confirmed that the company is considering offering EREV options in its mid-size and larger SUVs. 'They do offer advantages versus 100% EVs when it comes to hauling and towing,' he said, 'allowing greater driving range without the need for a large capacity battery, as well as faster refueling.' James Martin, the director of consulting services at S&P Global Mobility, says one reason manufacturers are turning to EREVs is lower production costs. EREV use of smaller and less expensive batteries than full EVs allows manufacturers to keep their expenses down. EREVs are also less complex than plug-in hybrids, Martin said. PHEVs have two functioning propulsion systems and sophisticated controls to allow them to communicate with each other. Most EREVs, by contrast, are solely propelled by their electric motors. Range anxiety, and cost, still big factors in EV adoption But one of the biggest advantages of EREVs is range. In China, where EREVs are gaining in popularity, the manufacturer BYD offers mid-sized sedans with more than 1,300 miles of claimed range. EREVs also alleviate range anxiety due to the ubiquity of gas stations. Consumers can just fill up with gasoline to charge the battery if a charging port is unavailable. The new EREVs can travel more than 100 miles on batteries alone, then hundreds more using gasoline. 'Range anxiety is still a factor when it comes to choosing an electric vehicle over an internal combustion vehicle,' said K. Venkatesh Prasad, senior vice president of research and chief innovation officer at the Center for Automotive Research. 'EREVs, allay the range anxiety concern,' he said. These hybrids may especially appeal to consumers who frequently travel long distances, and getting more consumers used to plugging in their vehicles might also appeal to manufacturers. 'The actual charging experience of EREVs is very similar to that of BEVs,' Prasad said. 'So, the market adoption of EREVs is likely to be seen as a good ramp to future BEV purchase considerations,' he added. Charging infrastructure is still lagging in many areas of the U.S., according to executive analyst Karl Brauer, which can make a full EV impractical for consumers. EREVs avoid that issue and may also be attractive to consumers who live in apartments or houses that lack charging stations. A recent report from McKinsey noted that EREVs could also combat cost concerns among consumers, noting that the smaller batteries can shave off as much as $6,000 in powertrain production costs, compared to BEVs. Another factor, according to McKinsey, is that both domestic and European manufacturers have seen how EREVs have gained sales momentum in China, a sign the technology may help to increase electrification adoption in their own marketplaces. 'We expect all levels of hybridization to increase production in North America throughout the decade,' said Eric Anderson, the associate director of Americas light vehicle powertrain forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. Hybrids, including EREVs, are a 'relatively affordable way for consumers to move up the electrification ladder without a significant monthly payment increase, he said. While the EV vehicle market continued to grow last year, the pace of growth has slowed considerably. 'The BEV market is in the process of shifting from early adopters to a more price-conscious buyer,' Anderson said. Domestic sales of hybrids grew from 1,175,456 in 2023 to 1,609,035 in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a 37% increase. Plug-in hybrids grew 10% in the same period — from 293,578 to 321,774. By comparison, fully electric EVs saw 7% growth, from 1,164,638 to 1,247,656. While overall sales of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continues to dominate, its market share has fallen every year since 2015, according to Edmunds. Last year, ICE vehicle sales fell to 80.8% of total U.S. sales, down from 84% in 2023. Another attribute that might make EREVs popular with consumers is resale value. Hybrids — which includes EREVs and more common plug-in hybrids — depreciate less than EVs or traditional gas vehicles. Since depreciation is the most expensive part of car ownership, finding a vehicle that better retains its value can provide consumers with significant savings. By contrast, electric cars and trucks lose value faster than any other vehicle type — dropping by 58.8% after five years, compared to the overall vehicle depreciation average of 45.6% and only 40.7% for hybrids, according to research from iSeeCars. 'Electric vehicle sales have been slowing on both the new and used market, with EVs sitting on dealer lots longer despite falling prices,' Brauer said. 'Consumers are showing increasing appreciation for hybrid vehicles, creating a friendly environment for automakers to introduce more plug-in hybrids as an intermediate step toward full electric vehicles.' Ram 1500 extended range hybrid pickup, set to come to market in early 2026, will have the longest driving range the company has ever offered in a light-duty truck, up to 690 total miles between its gas engine and battery | Stellantis

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