Here’s Why Automakers Are Reviving Extended-Range EVs despite Initially Flopping

Major automakers are bringing back a type of hybrid vehicle that had mostly disappeared from the U.S. a few years ago. Known as extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), these plug-in hybrids work mainly like electric vehicles (EVs) by using a battery-powered motor to drive. However, they also have a small gas engine that acts like a generator to recharge the battery when needed, which is different from regular hybrids, where the gas engine helps power the car directly. As a result, EREVs have bigger batteries and smaller gas engines that focus more on electric driving with gas as a backup.

Interestingly, it is worth noting that earlier models, such as the Chevy Volt (GM) and BMW i3 (BAMXF), never sold well, and EREVs have mostly vanished after 2022. Nevertheless, Ram (STLA) is planning an EREV pickup truck in 2026 that can go up to 690 miles using both gas and electric power. Volkswagen (VWAGY), Jeep, and Nissan (NSANY) are also working on their own EREV models. These vehicles are useful for people who drive long distances or live in places without easy access to charging, which helps reduce range anxiety while keeping costs lower than full EVs.

In fact, EREVs are cheaper to make than full EVs because they use smaller batteries and are less complex than regular plug-in hybrids. They also hold their value better than gas cars or full EVs, which lose most of their resale value within five years. In addition, sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids are growing faster than fully electric cars, especially as more buyers focus on price and practicality. Therefore, EREVs may help more drivers transition to electric vehicles while avoiding issues like limited charging infrastructure or high upfront costs.

Which Auto Stock Is the Better Buy?

Turning to Wall Street, out of the stocks mentioned above, analysts think that STLA stock has the most room to run. In fact, STLA’s average price target of $10.98 per share implies more than 8% upside potential. On the other hand, analysts expect the least from BAMXF stock, as its average price target of $92.82 equates to a gain of 5%.