Volkswagen says no to EREVs in Europe

According to Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer, the company has no current plans to introduce any range-extender hybrids in Europe.

A range-extender hybrid (REX), also known as serial hybrid, extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) or range-extender electric vehicle (REEV), is a vehicle that moves on electricity and only uses an engine to generate more power for the motors. According to Schäfer, this setup is most efficient in large vehicles, like SUVs and trucks. Volkswagen plans to offer these in the USA (through the revived Scout brand) and China.

In Europe, however, regular plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids tend to be more efficient. Compact cars perform best when they can utilize their engine and e-motors simultaneously to drive the wheels. Should new emission standards or other legislative acts be adopted that change the status quo, Volkswagen would be willing to reconsider its strategy, Schäfer added.