VW Considers Producing Range Extender Cars for US, Europe
Popular in China, the Technology Is Not Yet Widely Available in Western Markets
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Volkswagen AG is drawing up plans for electric vehicles with range extender technology in Europe and the U.S., one of several strategic shifts considered as the automaker decides on its future investments, according to people familiar with the company’s thinking.
The German manufacturer is studying adding range-extending engines to its high-selling sport utility vehicles and sedans, the people said, declining to be named discussing internal matters. Popular in China, the technology is not yet widely available in Western markets. That may change as governments roll back EV support and consumers continue to worry about patchy charging networks.
Volkswagen said it’s monitoring market developments and has reserved the range extender concept for its future EV platform. “If and when this technology will be available in Europe and the U.S. depends on customer demand,” it added.
The carmaker is currently preparing its next five-year investment plan, with the topic expected to be discussed during a supervisory board meeting later Dec. 11. Volkswagen annually decides on how to divide up spending between factories, vehicle models and new technologies such as batteries, software and EVs. The company plans to unveil details of its future investments in March, a supervisory board spokesman said Dec. 11.
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Automakers are rethinking their model strategies as the European Unionis expected to walk backits planned 2035 ban of new cars with a combustion engine. The EU’s review of the plans, moved up from next year because of the region’s slower-than-expected EV shift, is expected to be unveiled this month.
VW’s final investment decisions partially depend on the outcome of the EU’s review and on a range of other factors not fully under its control. The group is also considering producing Audis in the U.S. to counter President Donald Trump’s import tariffs.
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Range extender cars run on a battery that can be charged by a small on-board combustion engine. Popularized by manufacturers in China, they’re among drivetrain options German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said should be allowed in the EU after 2035. European manufacturers including Stellantis NV and BMW AG are eyeing the technology.
Volkswagen already announced plans to make range extender models via Scout Motors in the U.S., but hasn’t yet said if its main brands including VW and Audi would pursue the technology for Western markets. The automaker said it plans to offer range extender models in China next year.
