In China, more and more, a rapid expansion of those known as extended autonomy electric cars is being seen. These, for many, could be confused with plug -in hybrids. However, in this case, the person in charge of moving the wheels is an electric motor, serving the combustion only as a mere electric generator that feeds the battery.
This mechanical format is increasingly widespread, especially in Chinese brands. The main reason is that it is an intermediate step between cars with thermal motor and 100% electric, which would facilitate the generational leap between both mechanics. Despite this, Mu FengVice President of Great Wall Motors, a few days ago he described this technology as “obsolete” and that “I would prefer to die before manufacturing” one of these models.
However, despite this appreciation of GWM’s vice president, the truth is that there are many brands increasingly interested in this type of mechanics. One of the managers who has broken a spear in favor of this alternative has been, neither more nor less than the CEO itself of the Volkswagen group, Oliver Blumewho sees “great potential.”
Oliver Blume sees many incentives in this electrified mechanics
In a recent interview for the German media Neue osnabrücker Zeitungduring the Shanghai Motor Show, the CEO of the Volkswagen Group pointed out that he sees a great opportunity in this mechanic. “With this technology you can eliminate people’s anxiety for autonomy and make it easier to start with electric mobility.”
To this, the CEO added: “In China, we see great potential for the autonomy extender as a bridge technology and we will launch the first Volkswagen with this technology in 2026”. Recall that the German company presented up to three prototypes during the aforementioned car hall.
The extended autonomy electric cars are generally a range of around 1,000 km thanks to the combination of both mechanics. However, Great Wall Motors vice president said that these are obsolete for several reasons and that the true future are 100% electric cars. On this, certainly, the CEO of the Volkswagen Group is also aligned with this type of opinion about the ‘zero broadcasts’.
During the interview Blume was asked if he truly believed that electric cars will end up imposing himself against the rest of mechanical alternatives. Given this he replied: “In our opinion, yes. Electrical driving is a pleasure. I myself lead totally electric models of the Volkswagen Group. In the Wolfsburg region, a Volkswagen ID.Buzz and in Stuttgart, a Porsche Macan and a Cupra Born. The battery technologies are increasingly powerful, so now they can travel now. A few years we will see more decisive steps in this regard. ”
In spite of everything, in parallel, Oliver Blume must ensure the business progress of his company and pay attention to his potential clients that now demand more and more electric cars of extended autonomy. However, it is not yet clear that these end up landing in Europe or if, on the contrary, they will only stay for the Chinese market. Be that as it may, the Volkswagen Group will take the step in just a few months.
