With the upsurge of new energy vehicle market, electric vehicles were once known as "the savior of electric vehicles". Many consumers have started this seemingly perfect dual-power car with full expectations, hoping to get rid of the endurance anxiety of pure electric vehicles. However, many car owners found that the extended-range car was far from ideal after actual use. It brings not only the advantages of endurance, but also many headache "hidden problems". What on earth makes the extended-range car a "thorn in the heart" for car owners? Let us uncover the truth behind this "perfect system".

Superficial "Perfect Dual Power": Is it really a win-win situation?

In 2024, the market of new energy vehicles continued to heat up, and electric vehicles attracted countless attention because of their unique "dual power system". By combining the small gasoline engine with the electric system, the extended-range vehicle was once regarded as the perfect solution to solve the short battery life of pure electric vehicles. Its principle seems simple: when the battery is dead, the engine starts to generate electricity or directly drive the motor, which avoids the dependence of traditional electric vehicles on charging piles.

Many people believe that this design makes the extended-range vehicle have the advantages of environmental protection and long battery life, and meets the multiple needs of urban commuting and long-distance travel. However, car owners who have actually used extended-range vehicles have said that the ideal is far from reality.

Some car owners complained: "This car is neither as economical as pure electric vehicles, nor has the long-distance advantage of fuel vehicles. It is really an embarrassing existence." Another car owner also bluntly said: "As soon as the extended range mode is started, the power suddenly drops, which is completely different from the smoothness when the electric car is usually turned on."

"Trap" in Use: New Trouble Brought by Extended Range Vehicle

In a survey of users of extended-range vehicles in September, 2024, more than 60% car owners’ satisfaction with extended-range vehicles dropped significantly after using them for three to six months. Hidden behind this are many problems encountered in the actual use of extended-range vehicles, which far exceed the expectations of consumers.

Complex dual power system.Although the original intention of the extended-range vehicle design is to combine the dual advantages of electric and fuel, it also makes its internal structure more complicated. Many car owners report that the failure rate of extended-range vehicles is significantly higher than that of traditional vehicles. The difficulty of maintenance also increases, because it is necessary to deal with not only the problems of power system, but also the faults of internal combustion engine. This makes the maintenance cost high, which makes many car owners shout "the pit is too deep".

Paradox between energy consumption and cost.According to the theory, the extended-range vehicle should have both the power-saving advantages of electric vehicles and the endurance of fuel vehicles. However, in actual use, many car owners find that the energy consumption of vehicles is higher than expected in both electric mode and extended range mode, which increases the cost of vehicles. Some car owners joked: "This car not only didn’t save me money, but made me spend more money."

"Flexibility" becomes a burden.Although the extended-range car seems to be free to choose whether to use electricity or oil, in actual travel, this "freedom" has become a burden. Car owners need to repeatedly calculate electricity, fuel consumption and charging time, which increases the complexity of travel planning. Frequent mode switching makes driving no longer easy. Some car owners complain: "Every trip is like solving a math problem, which is really troublesome and tiring."

Neglected "Driving Experience": Fatal Shortcomings of Extended Range Vehicles

In the summer of 2024, a well-known car evaluation expert put forward a widely discussed view on social media: "The biggest disadvantage of extended-range cars is not their endurance, but their poor driving experience." These words were quickly recognized by many car owners.

The sense of frustration during power switching.When the battery is exhausted and the range extender begins to intervene, the vehicle often has obvious frustration, as if the driver suddenly stepped on the brake, which affects the overall driving comfort. Many car owners described it as: "It was originally well opened, and suddenly it was like hitting an invisible wall."

The dynamic response becomes worse.In the extended range mode, the dynamic response of the vehicle is obviously reduced, especially when accelerating, and the feeling becomes sluggish and weak. Some car owners vividly compared: "Usually it is like riding a fast horse, but after the electricity is used up, this car is like an old ox that can’t be pulled."

Noise troubles. After the intervention of the range extender, the noise produced far exceeds expectations. The original quiet electric driving experience was replaced by the roar of the engine in the extended range mode, which affected the quiet feeling inside the car. Some car owners said helplessly: "I bought a car for comfort, but now I feel like sitting next to a generator, and my ears are almost deaf."

Loss of driving pleasure. haveAccording to the feedback from the owner, in the electric mode, the extended-range car can bring smooth acceleration and quick driving experience. But once you enter the extended range mode, this driving pleasure disappears. On the contrary, the extended-range car makes the driving experience boring, which has neither the fast response of a pure tram nor the reliability of a fuel car.

The Future of Extended Range Vehicles: Worth Expecting or Thinking Again?

The original intention of the extended range technology is good. It tries to integrate the advantages of electric vehicles and fuel vehicles and provide users with the best of both worlds. However, the reality is that the current application of this technology is not mature and even disappoints many car owners. Some experts in the industry pointed out: "If the power system of extended-range vehicles can be seamlessly switched in the future, it may improve the current problems. But at present, this technology still has a long way to go. " For those consumers who are considering buying extended-range cars, it may be necessary to carefully weigh their car demand.

As a new category in the new energy vehicle market, the extended-range vehicle seems to have solved the battery life problem of pure trams, but its complex dual-power system, energy consumption and maintenance costs, as well as the lack of driving experience, are still shortcomings that cannot be ignored. With the further development of technology in the future, maybe the extended-range car can really become an ideal choice. But before that, choosing a more mature pure electric vehicle or traditional fuel vehicle may bring a better car experience.

After all, what car owners are pursuing is not only to solve the anxiety of endurance, but also to pursue a truly worry-free, money-saving and comfortable car. However, these extended-range vehicles have not been fully realized at present. Will the future extended-range car really "extend" our sense of happiness? Let’s wait and see.