Nowadays, despite the increased demand for electric cars, it is still undeniable that there are many doubts about autonomy, charging speed, and of course, durability of batteries. This is exactly why some manufacturers opt for some “tricks” to try to increase the autonomy of some electric cars with smaller capacity batteries.
As is the case with the implementation of REx (Range Extender) technology in 100% electric cars! Truth be told, despite the manufacturers’ focus on efficiency, vehicles with this addition are, in fact, no longer 100% electric.
Therefore, if you are not yet familiar with the Range Extender REx, this is nothing more than a power generator, added to an electric vehicle. It is an extra engine, combustion (usually gasoline), activated automatically when the battery level reaches a certain percentage.
However, this does not make the car a hybrid.
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REx, Range Extender, Range Extender, what is it?
In short, the REx works as a kind of motor/generator, which uses fossil fuels to produce electricity, which is immediately sent to the battery. This engine cannot be used to move the vehicle, only and only for the load. In addition, it is an engine very focused on energy efficiency.
It is thus, above all, a strange way of increasing the autonomy of an electric car, because despite being curious, it somewhat defeats the purpose of the thing. After all, if the driver wants to, he can supply his vehicle with fossil fuel only, if he thinks he has no time to carry out a traditional battery charge.
Benefits
That said, in addition to increasing the vehicle’s autonomy, having a REx also offers other advantages and no, I’m not talking about a guard dog that protects you and your home. Among the advantages of REx I am talking about:
Possibility to travel in areas where there are no charging stations available,
Reduction of loading time,
Reduced driver anxiety in general. (Because this engine is not always running. It is only turned on when it is really needed)
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Are Range Extenders (REx) all pluses?
Of course, using a REx increases the range of an electric car, which is great. But, it makes the car heavier, more expensive, more complex to maintain (more expensive) and of course, we still have the use of fossil fuels.
Among the main disadvantages are:
Electric vehicle cost increase
The reduction of energy efficiency
Additional maintenance. Whereas the REx adds more parts that need maintenance.
It’s not the solution for everyone. It aims to be a solution for those who need long-distance travel and more autonomy.
In conclusion, the Range Extender (REx) or Range Extender is a device that is used to increase the range of electric cars. It is not widely used by the vast majority of manufacturers, but from time to time it appears in one model or another. It has advantages, but also some disadvantages.
Also, did you already know REx technology? Share your opinion with us in the comments below.
