The contribution Range Extender from ZF is intended to increase range of electric cars from Beatrice Bode first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
While electromobility continues to pick up speed, many are still fear of range. A new range extender from ZF should therefore increase the range of electric cars.
The advantages of electric cars are now likely to be known. Nevertheless, many shy away from buying. The problem: the so -called range of range. Because the idea of suddenly stuck somewhere in the now nowhere with an almost empty battery triggers worries.
“Although the purely electrical range for cars is on average around 500 kilometers: fear of range still affects a wide range of buyers when choosing their next vehicle,” explains Otmar Scharer from the automotive supplier ZF. He is a development manager for electrical drive technology.
Range extender against the fear of range
According to a current one Press release ZF has brought the Range Extender technology to a new level. As the name suggests, the systems should increase the range of electric cars. Like an emergency generator, the additional drive jumps as soon as the battery of an electric vehicle reaches a critical state of charge.
In principle, it is a combustion engine that drives an electric machine. It generates electricity for the battery and thus extends the range – without the vehicle having to be connected to a socket.
The functionality is simple: in contrast to plug-in hybrids (PHEV), in which combustion engine and electric motor work in parallel, the range extender only serves as a power supplier. The engine always runs in the optimal range of power, which minimizes fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. According to Scharer, this is “a real alternative to more expensive large batteries”.
From taxi to the world first: the evolution of ZF technology
The technology is not new: ZF had already brought Range Extender systems to a row in recent years. Among other things, electric machines from the technology group were installed in London taxis. Now the company is working on the next generation, the Electric Range Extender (ERE) and the Electric Range Extender Plus (ERE+).
- ere: Connects an electric machine with an integrated inverter, suitable software and planetary gear. Performance: 70 to 110 kilowatts.
- ere+: Also has an intelligent coupling and a differential. Performance: up to 150 kilowatts.
Both systems should be suitable for both 400 and 800-volt architectures and are designed for different semiconductor types. It Don’t play a rolewhether a customer relies on classic silicon-helicopters or on silicon carbide.
Compared to parallel hybrid drive solutions, for example with a PHEV, Range extenders convince with lower additional costs, shorter development times, lower platform effort and simplified control of the supply chains.
Who are the new Range Extender?
The new generation of the Range Extender is suitable for both consumers and manufacturers. Customers benefit from being able to drive electrically without having to forego long -distance flexibility. According to Scharer, they could use the advantages of e-mobility without compromising in everyday suitability.
Manufacturers, on the other hand, save complex developments: the ERE+ can be used as a generator or secondary drive, which makes separate components superfluous. In addition, the development cycles are shortened by the platform approach.
According to ZF, a model offensive so -called Range Extended Electric Vehicles (Reev) is particularly pending in China. With the help of technology, they should create reach of over 700 kilometers of range. But the interests of the manufacturers are also increasing in the USA and Europe. According to ZF 2026, the series production of the new Range Extender generation should start.
Also interesting:
- Super battery? E-car battery promises up to 1,500 km of range
- New e-car premium? Better to do the Germany ticket for free!
- Analysis: worries about the lifespan of e-car batteries mostly unfounded
- Exploitation and human rights violations: Tart criticism of supply chains of electric car builders
The contribution Range Extender from ZF is intended to increase range of electric cars from Beatrice Bode first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the range extender developed by ZF could be a game-changer for electric cars. Range anxiety is a common concern for many consumers when considering purchasing an electric vehicle, and having a range extender could help alleviate some of those worries.
By increasing the overall range of electric cars, ZF’s range extender could make electric vehicles a more viable option for a wider range of consumers, especially those who may need to travel longer distances on a regular basis. This could help to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to reducing emissions and combating climate change.
Additionally, the range extender could provide a more flexible and convenient option for consumers who may not have access to charging infrastructure or who may need to travel beyond the typical range of an electric vehicle. Overall, I believe that ZF’s range extender has the potential to have a significant impact on the electric car market and help drive the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system.
Credits