Hyundai to launch extended-range EVs in US
Hyundai will introduce extended-range electric vehicles in the US, beginning with a three-row Santa Fe model offering over 600 miles of combined range.
Hyundai has decided to launch extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the United States, beginning with a three-row Santa Fe model. According to a report from Car and Driver, the new powertrain will feature two electric motors for all-wheel drive, with the company claiming a combined range exceeding 600 miles and acceleration similar to a fully electric vehicle.
This move follows regulatory changes in China that have made EREVs a core vehicle category. Regulators there recently decided to exclude plug-in hybrids that could not travel at least 100 km (62 miles) on battery power alone from "new energy vehicle" incentives. The distinguishing feature of these EREVs is that the gasoline engine is used solely to spin a generator that charges the battery while the car is in operation, unlike many plug-in hybrids where the engine can power the wheels directly.
Hyundai and Genesis Models
The luxury division Genesis will also benefit from this strategy. The first Genesis model to receive the EREV treatment will likely be the compact GV70. The Genesis version is said to have a slightly longer combined range of 640 miles. It is unclear if the Santa Fe and GV70 EREV models will use the same powertrain.
Production locations differ. The Santa Fe EREV will be manufactured in the United States, likely on the same Alabama assembly line as the gasoline-powered and traditional hybrid variants. The GV70 is currently built in Ulsan, South Korea.
Broader Product and Capacity Plans
Hyundai says it will bring 10 new conventional hybrid models to the US by 2030, when it says they will represent half of its total sales. Production capacity at Hyundai’s North American factories will also expand by an additional 500,000 units by 2030, the company states.
The company is reportedly working on pickup truck and body-on-frame SUV models, including the Boulder concept revealed at this year's New York Auto Show.
Competitive Landscape
Other automakers are also developing EREV technology. Stellantis has its own EREV powertrain in development, expected to launch in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, followed by the Ram 1500 REV pickup truck. Ford is said to be working on an EREV truck to replace the discontinued F-150 Lightning. Scout, the new division of Volkswagen, is also exploring EREV powertrains as an option in its upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck models and claims that pre-orders are trending strongly in favor of the plug-in option.
The source report suggests the 600-mile range may help address range anxiety among some car shoppers. Following the regulatory change in China, BYD even introduced a model that could go up to 1,300 km on a combination of electrons and molecules.
