ZF Responds to Consumer Requests with New Long-Range Electric Vehicle Powertrain
Headline: MG, Volkswagen, and Other Automakers Embrace Extended Range Electric Vehicles in China's Booming EV Market
The Shanghai Auto Show last week saw a significant shift in the automotive industry, as MG and Volkswagen announced their plans to develop new platforms for full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs).
The announcement by MG, a British automotive brand, was particularly noteworthy. The presentation of the MG Cyberster, an electric sports convertible, showcased MG's advancement in electric vehicle platforms. This move towards EREVs is seen as a strategic one, as range extender powertrains are viewed as a viable alternative to larger and more expensive batteries or plug-in hybrids.
The electrified sector, which includes EREVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and BEVs, accounted for about half of all new cars sold in China last year. Sales of BEVs grew by 23% to 6.3 million units, but the Chinese market for EREVs and PHEVs is growing rapidly, with both technologies seeing faster growth than BEVs. Last year, sales of EREVs grew by 79% to 1.2 million vehicles, while PHEV sales soared by 76% to 3.4 million.
German automotive supplier ZF is also jumping on the EREV bandwagon. They plan to introduce their latest generation EREV powertrain, which is expected to provide ranges of up to 435 miles (700 km) between refueling/charging. The new powertrain will offer 400V and 800V systems with outputs of up to 1478 hp and 201 hp, respectively.
Leapmotor, a joint venture partner of Stellantis, is launching four range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) models, including the C10 REEV SUV already trading in Europe. Other automakers in China, the world's biggest battery-electric-vehicle market, are also rushing to meet growing consumer demand for EREV and PHEV technology.
According to forecasts provided to Reuters by a major automaker, EREVs and PHEVs hybrids will together account for approximately 35% of sales in China, compared to about 45% for BEVs. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius predicts that hybrids will coexist with battery-electric vehicles for a longer period of time in China.
Range anxiety continues to influence a significant number of buyers when choosing their next vehicle, particularly in nations with inadequate public charging infrastructure. ZF's senior vice-president for R&D acknowledges this, stating that the extended range of EREVs can help alleviate these concerns.
The rapid growth of the EREV and PHEV market in China is a testament to the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. As more automakers join the race to develop and introduce EREVs and PHEVs, it is clear that these technologies will play a significant role in China's future automotive landscape.
