Hyundai Motor Group is developing a new type of powertrain called a range extender to address the ongoing slowdown in electric vehicle sales.
This technology, which combines a battery-electric system with a fuel-powered generator, is designed to increase the driving range of SUVs and pickup trucks.
The automaker believes that range anxiety and limited charging infrastructure are significant hurdles to widespread EV adoption. By introducing range extenders, Hyundai aims to offer vehicles with longer driving ranges and reduced reliance on charging stations.
Hyundai’s new range extender system is expected to debut in its flagship Santa Fe SUV and Genesis GV70 within the next two to three years.
The technology will also be incorporated into the automaker’s upcoming pickup truck models, codenamed TE for Hyundai and TV for Kia, which are slated for production in 2028 or 2029. These trucks will boast impressive capabilities, including a driving range of over 530 kilometers and a load capacity exceeding 4,535 kilograms.
Hyundai’s focus on range extenders and pickup trucks signals a strategic shift as the company seeks to expand its market share, particularly in the United States where these vehicle segments are highly popular.
[source: Kedglobal]
