Surprisingly, there are not many pure plug-in EREVs available for purchase as new cars right now. EREV stands for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, which refers to an electric vehicle with an extended driving range that charges the battery using an engine. In plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the gasoline engine can be directly connected to the wheels. We have excluded EREVs sold in China because there are so many types available, and their commercialization is not yet fully active overseas.
Very few true plug-in EREVs are available as new cars today. Nissan e-POWER dominates the active series-hybrid field covered here but cannot be plugged in. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV and BMW i3 REx are important examples that have ended production, while the next expansion depends on delayed or future products from Ram, Jeep, Scout, Hyundai and Genesis.
|
Brand |
Detailed models |
Status |
Powertrain |
|
Nissan |
Note, Aura, Kicks,
Qashqai, X-Trail, Serena e-POWER |
On
sale |
Generator engine, motor
drive, no plug |
|
Mazda |
MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV |
Ended
in key markets |
Rotary generator, front
motor |
|
BMW |
i3 REx 60Ah, 94Ah, 120Ah |
Discontinued |
647 cc two-cylinder
backup generator |
|
Ram |
1500 REV, formerly
Ramcharger |
Delayed,
upcoming |
3.6L V6 generator,
dual-motor AWD |
|
Jeep |
Grand Wagoneer REEV |
Upcoming |
Ram-related
range-extended system |
|
Scout |
Traveler Harvester,
Terra Harvester |
Pre-production |
Rear generator, electric
AWD |
|
Hyundai Genesis |
Next-generation large
EREVs |
Development |
Large battery and
generator engine |
1 Nissan Note e POWER and Aura e POWER
Nissan
Note e-POWER Image source CarStuff
Nissan
Aura e-POWER Image source Paul Tan
These
compact Japanese series hybrids use an engine only to generate electricity
while the motor always drives the wheels. Aura is the more premium
interpretation. They are series hybrids rather than plug-in EREVs.
·
Pros Smooth EV-like response and strong
regenerative braking without charging infrastructure.
·
Cons A small battery prevents meaningful
grid-electric driving, motorway efficiency advantages diminish, and Nissan
passenger cars lack an official Korean sales network.
2 Nissan Kicks e POWER
Nissan
Kicks e-POWER Image source CheckRaka
Kicks
applies the Note-style system to a small SUV and is sold in selected Asian
markets, with specifications varying by country.
·
Pros Practical SUV packaging, smooth urban
acceleration and relatively accessible service in parts of Southeast Asia.
·
Cons No plug-in energy savings, possible
engine-speed mismatch under load and substantial regional specification
differences.
3 Nissan Qashqai e POWER
Nissan
Qashqai e-POWER Image source
Cars4Starters
The European Qashqai is the clearest mainstream e-POWER application. Its third-generation system integrates a 1.5-litre turbo generator, a battery of roughly 2.1 kWh and a front traction motor.
·
Pros Consistent motor-driven response, no
gear shifts and established Nissan service coverage.
·
Cons It cannot replace commuting fuel with
home electricity, AWD choice is limited and the series layout offers less
advantage on sustained motorways.
4 Nissan X Trail e POWER e 4ORCE
Nissan
X-Trail e-POWER Image source Nissan
The
larger family SUV adds front and rear motors in e-4ORCE form, using
software-controlled electric AWD while the engine only generates power.
·
Pros Precise dual-motor control, refined
low-speed travel and broad family usefulness with market-dependent seating
options.
·
Cons Higher mass and two motors increase
consumption, and the small battery means frequent engine operation under
sustained load.
5 Nissan Serena e POWER
Nissan
Serena e-POWER Image source Nissan
Serena
combines a Japanese sliding-door minivan cabin with motor-only wheel drive for
family-focused urban use.
·
Pros Easy family access and smooth control
in repeated stop-start traffic.
·
Cons Generator noise and fuel use rise on
long high-speed journeys; grey imports require checks on navigation, warranty
and parts.
6 Mazda MX 30 e Skyactiv R EV
Mazda
MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV Image source Mazda
This
series plug-in hybrid used a 17.8 kWh battery, 125 kW front motor and 830 cc
single-rotor generator. Mazda quoted 85 km WLTP electric range, but sales ended
in major markets.
·
Pros Compact, low-vibration rotary
packaging and enough electric range for short daily use.
·
Cons Shorter range and slower charging than
newer EREVs, awkward rear doors, limited rear space and disappointing
generator-mode efficiency.
7 BMW i3 REx 60Ah 94Ah 120Ah
BMW
i3 REx Image source Car and Driver
The i3
REx evolved through three battery generations and used a 647 cc two-cylinder
generator as a backup. Production ended in 2022.
·
Pros Light carbon-fibre construction, agile
urban driving and reduced charging anxiety.
·
Cons A small tank and low generator output
limit sustained motorway performance; ageing batteries, specialist body repair,
tyres and REx maintenance add cost.
8 Ram 1500 REV formerly Ramcharger
Ram
1500 Ramcharger press image Image source
Stellantis
The
delayed range-extended pickup uses a 92 kWh battery, 3.6-litre Pentastar V6
generator, roughly 130 kW generator and dual electric motors. Its 690-mile
target remains a pre-certification estimate.
·
Pros Potentially much easier towing than a
battery-only truck while retaining electric daily driving.
·
Cons Extreme weight and complexity, with
final price, EPA economy and towing range still unconfirmed.
9 Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV
Jeep
Grand Wagoneer REEV press image Image source
GearJunkie
Jeep
plans to adapt the Ram-related range-extended system to a large three-row SUV
and advertises more than 500 miles of total range, but production has been
delayed.
·
Pros Electric smoothness with petrol-backed
family travel, towing and winter flexibility.
·
Cons Likely high weight and price; final
output, electric range and efficiency require production specifications.
10 Scout Traveler and Terra Harvester
Scout
Traveler press image Image source Bless
This Stuff
Scout
Terra press image Image source HDQ Walls
Scout
plans Harvester generator options for its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. It
anticipates at least 500 miles total versus roughly 350 miles for battery-only
versions, but both vehicles remain pre-production.
·
Pros A strong conceptual fit for off-road
travel, camping and towing, with electric AWD precision and petrol backup.
·
Cons Battery size, real range, efficiency
and price may change, and Scout's new direct sales and service system is
unproven.
11 Hyundai and Genesis next-generation EREVs
Hyundai
Santa Fe shown only as a segment reference and not as a confirmed EREV
model Image source Blaise Alexander
Hyundai
Hyundai
Motor reiterated plans for range-extended products at its 2026 Investor Day,
targeting North American SUV demand. Candidate segments have been discussed,
but complete production names and specifications are not final.
·
Pros A global Hyundai, Kia and Genesis
service network could solve a major weakness of niche EREVs.
·
Cons It is too early to judge price or
efficiency, and adequate generator output without mechanical engine drive will
be the key engineering challenge.
Why Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera are separate
The Volt
and Ampera were marketed around range-extension, but their production
transaxles could allow the engine to contribute mechanically through the
planetary gearset under certain higher-speed or higher-load conditions. They
are therefore excluded from a strict list in which the engine never helps drive
the wheels. Honda e:HEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Toyota hybrids are
excluded for the same direct-drive reason.
Conclusion
EREV remains a niche. It seems we will have to wait a little longer to buy a proper EREV. Nissan e-POWER is the most practical current option covered here but is not a plug-in EREV. The important plug-in examples, MX-30 R-EV and i3 REx, are discontinued. The next phase depends on the real launch dates, prices and certified efficiency of Ram 1500 REV, Grand Wagoneer REEV, Scout Harvester and planned Hyundai or Genesis products.
Sources
Nissan Third-Generation e-POWER Official Announcement: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/nissan-launches-3rd-generation-e-power-technology-in-europe
Official Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Overview: https://www.nissan.co.uk/cf/vehicles/new-vehicles/qashqai/powertrain
Official Mazda MX-30 R-EV Announcement: https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2023/202301/230113a.html
Official Ram 1500 REV Page: https://www.ramtrucks.com/
Official Ram Range-Extended System Announcement: https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/ram/press/range-extended-ram-1500-ramcharger-to-lead-brand-s-electrified-truck-strategy
Official Jeep Grand Wagoneer Page: https://www.jeep.com/wagoneer/grand-wagoneer.html
Official Scout Traveler Page: https://www.scoutmotors.com/traveler
Official Scout Harvester FAQ: https://support.scoutmotors.com/en/articles/10526960-how-will-the-harvester-range-extender-work
Official Hyundai Motor Newsroom: https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/newsroom