Hyundai has shaken up the automotive industry with its innovative Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).
Unlike traditional EVs, Hyundai’s EREV primarily utilizes an internal combustion engine to recharge the battery rather than drive the wheels. With an impressive range of up to 900 kilometers on a single charge, this cutting-edge vehicle is designed to operate efficiently in countries like the United States, China, and Canada, where vast expanses of land make long-distance travel essential.
Hyundai is gearing up for the official launch of this next-generation vehicle by 2027, with mass production set to commence in North America and China by 2026. The company sees the EREV as a potential solution to the limitations of current EVs, notably the range anxiety that often accompanies them. As Hyundai puts it, “These EREVs could address the limitations of traditional EVs, allowing up to 560 miles (900 kilometers) of travel on a single charge.”
The initial EREV models will feature D-class SUVs under Hyundai’s flagship brands, including the Santa Fe and Genesis GV70. Like hybrid vehicles, EREVs will be equipped with a battery, motor, and engine. What sets these vehicles apart is their ability to recharge their battery using an internal combustion engine when the electric charge is depleted. This system includes a new powertrain and power electronics (PT/PE) setup, which also enables four-wheel drive through dual motors.
Hyundai is no stranger to advanced automotive technology, and its expanding EV lineup showcases this commitment. Models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric have already made waves in the market with their Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which allows for fast charging — in some cases, as quickly as 18 minutes. As Hyundai continues to innovate, it is clear that its focus remains on sustainability and technological advancement. Over-the-air updates and smart regenerative braking are just some of the features that make Hyundai’s electric cars stand out.
Hyundai and Kia have set ambitious targets for their EREV models, aiming to sell around 80,000 units annually. Additionally, Hyundai plans to bring EREV technology to pickup trucks, with models codenamed TE and TV expected to hit the market in 2028 and 2029.
This follows Hyundai’s earlier unveiling of an EREV concept, the i-oniq, at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, although a mass-produced EREV has yet to be released.
Hyundai’s vision for the future is clear: EREVs offer a flexible solution for those seeking the environmental benefits of electric vehicles while overcoming the limitations of EVs.