BMW did have a range extender on their i3 originally but the petrol tank only held two gallons of fuel. It was not successful so was dropped from the range.
We are seeing the evolution of car technology playing out in front of our eyes, it’s actually quite exciting. E-Power (I’m sure Honda had it first) is innovative. The next step as you suggest will be plug-in hybrids with a 70-80 mile range (these will get through the next round of cuts) with a very small petrol engine acting as a generator. Mazda are doing this now with their new MX30, if it proves successful then others will adopt but the process is slow to produce a new car.
BMW did have a range extender on their i3 originally but the petrol tank only held two gallons of fuel. It was not successful so was dropped from the range.
I must admit I’m enjoying this move towards electrical motors running the wheels, it’s much better for the reliability.
In 2010ish General Motors presented the Chevrolet Bolt/Vauxhall Ampera exactly the same car but with a couple of styling differences to suit the brand recognition. That car could do up to 50 miles electric (if you drover really, really carefully) which wasn’t at the time a lot less than the LEAF with it’s smallest battery. The GM cars did, however have a proper range extender and a decent tank for petrol giving up to 360 miles on a tank on top of whatever you squeezed out of the battery.
That used the generator/motor principle to run the wheels that the E-Power appears to be using now. Unlike Nissan it powered the car rather poorly when compared to the battery power, it felt sluggish and could struggle with really big hills. However, the principle and GM’s decision to use it’s premium Caddy factories to build the cars made it an instant success, and Astra sized 4 seater that was incredible well built. However, Vauxhall and Chevvy both messed the potential by needing specialist facilities for the high voltage servicing and having a very limited number of them around. For example, anyone in Cornwall needed a 200 mile round trip for a service or breakdown repair.
That obviously made ownership much less convenient despite having the most convenient electric/fuel driving combination.
This PHEV sized battery capability plus a generator running motors is, in my opinion, a highly advantageous way forward, especially if whichever company runs with it does as Nissan have with sound deadening and properly block the drone.
The X-Trail capable of 50-75 miles of pure electric charged from a plug then a further 3-500 miles on e-power would definitely make the competition worry.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark