Range extender market for hybrid EVs set to explode

IDTechEx expects an increase in series hybrids with range extenders, which make them smoother, quieter and simpler compared to the standard cars and buses used currently. Series hybrids will lower cost and provide greater reliability and reduced vibration, with more space and a longer life span. Series hybrid buses could address key purchasing criteria for bus companies, such as TCO and the ability to reduce local pollution.

Electric cars are likely to concentrate on upfront price, before addressing running costs and green credentials.

As we move beyond using minimally altered diesel engines, a variety of range extenders for EVs can be found. Diesel emissions comprise a lethal cocktail of seriously carcinogenic chemicals including arsenic, benzene, beryllium, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, antimony, benzopyrene and 3-Nitrobenzanthrone, one of the strongest carcinogens known to man. As a result, diesel exhaust has been reclassified as a serious carcinogen - making a smaller, lighter, cleaner, quieter range extender a favourable option for hybrids.

Smoother running multi-fuel turning combustion engines have been used in series hybrid light aircraft, and are being increasingly used in cars, but have not yet proven scalable for large buses. Over the last decade, gas turbines have been the choice for larger buses, but this raises efficiency concerns.

Fuel cell range extenders are no greener than alternatives in buses, as the hydrogen they use comes from fossil fuels and they rely on platinum. TCO is another issue, as currently it is extremely high. Free piston fuel generators are still in the laboratory stage of development, meaning progress simply entails using smaller diesel or gasoline engines, such as tiny two and three-cylinder piston engines.

The potential for range extenders is larger than ever, and growing. IDTechEx predicts that millions of cars and buses will utilise range extenders over the next 10 years.