BMW does not plan to revive the range extender and targets EVs with over 800 km range

BMW states there are no immediate plans to revive the Range Extender, prioritizing EVs with 800+ km range and ultra-fast charging; a return remains open for the future.

BMW stated that there are no immediate plans to revive the Range Extender technology, a system that used an internal combustion engine only as an energy generator for an electric vehicle's battery.

This concept became known through the BMW i3 with the REx version, which featured a 650 cc two-cylinder engine solely to generate energy, without driving the wheels. With the end of i3 production in 2022, the manufacturer moved away from this setup.

According to Joachim Post, Head of Research and Development, current EVs can already offer sufficient range without additional generators. The new generation of the BMW iX3 is expected to exceed 800 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, and the Neue Klasse platform supports ultra-fast charging of up to 400 kW, considerably reducing recharging time.

The company, however, has not ruled out the possibility of bringing back the Range Extender in the future, especially in regions with less developed charging infrastructure. If this happens, the system could appear in larger models like the X5 or the X7.

Furthermore, BMW is advancing alternatives, including a hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the next X5, developed in collaboration with Toyota, scheduled for 2028.

In summary, the brand is directing its efforts toward batteries and fast charging; if the platforms truly achieve over 800 km consistently, the need for range extender generators may naturally disappear.

What do you think? Leave a comment if you believe the Range Extender still has a place in the future of electric cars or if you prefer to rely solely on batteries and fast charging.