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With A Focus On Reducing Emissions And Attracting Consumers, The Automaker Bets On Hybrid Vehicles With Extended Range As A Viable Solution
The Volkswagen is reevaluating its approach to electric vehicles, realizing the effectiveness of incorporating a gasoline engine in its electric models. This strategy was highlighted during the company’s participation in the Shanghai Auto Show of 2025.
Martin Sander, a member of the sales and marketing board at Volkswagen, confirmed that internal combustion engines will continue to be part of the group’s extended-range electric vehicle lineup, challenging the previous vision of total elimination of combustion engines.
Volkswagen’s New Perspective On Combustion Engines
In 2021, Klaus Zellmer, then the director of sales and marketing at Volkswagen, had stated that the company would eliminate internal combustion engine vehicles in Europe between 2033 and 2035.
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However, Sander’s recent statement suggests that Volkswagen is investing in extended-range hybrid systems as an intermediate step towards achieving a full transition to electric vehicles.
This shift in strategy is influenced not only by regulatory pressure but also by increasing consumer demand for alternatives that combine efficiency and practicality.
According to Sander, Volkswagen plans to develop range extenders that offer between 250 to 300 km of electric range.
The gasoline engine will act as a generator, charging the battery and allowing the vehicle to continue operating even when the electric charge is low.
This approach could help mitigate consumer resistance to fully electric cars, especially in a market as competitive as China.
Benefits Of Electric Vehicles With Gasoline Engines
An electric vehicle with range extender (EREV) is, in practice, a type of series hybrid car.
This means it is powered exclusively by electric motors, whose energy can be generated by the battery or by the combustion engine that functions as a generator.
This model is advantageous for manufacturers, as an electric motor is significantly more efficient, converting 85% of energy into motion, while a gasoline engine converts less than 40%.
The relevance of this concept becomes even more evident when considering the current context of the automotive market. Conventional plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), which are popular in Europe, often perform worse in terms of efficiency when the battery energy runs out.
This is because they rely on the gasoline engine to move the car, adding extra weight and compromising performance.
The Current Scenario Of The Electric Vehicle Market In China
The Chinese market has seen a decline in the average price of PHEVs, making them competitive with gasoline and electric models.
According to data from Bloomberg NEF, the market share of PHEVs in China reached 41% in 2024, while extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs, achieved a market share of 8% in March of this year.
These vehicles also receive the same state incentives as pure electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of this segment in market growth.
With the growing adoption of PHEVs and EREVs in China, Volkswagen recognizes the need to adapt its strategy to maintain competitiveness.
The government incentive for adopting low-emission vehicles and increasing environmental awareness among Chinese consumers make the country a fertile ground for the automaker’s new hybrid models.
Additionally, the stricter regulations set to take effect in Europe in 2026, aimed at increasing transparency on fuel consumption, represent an additional challenge for Volkswagen.
The new rules will require manufacturers to demonstrate more accurate real emissions, pressuring automakers to move away from inefficient solutions like PHEVs, which often fail to meet efficiency requirements.
Sustainable Mobility And Innovative Technology
The introduction of range extenders by Volkswagen not only aims to reduce average emissions but also enhance the user experience.
An electric range exceeding 100 km provides drivers with the confidence needed for daily commutes without the constant concern of recharging the battery, while the gasoline engine offers the necessary flexibility for longer trips.
Volkswagen is also investing in technological innovation to make its electric vehicles more accessible. With lower battery costs and the possibility of rapid charging, the automaker seeks to cater to a broader audience looking for practical and economical alternatives.
The new models with gasoline engines may appeal to customers who want a more affordable option that does not compromise on efficiency.
Furthermore, Volkswagen is exploring strategic partnerships with technology companies to develop more efficient charging solutions and mobility networks that integrate electric and hybrid vehicles into a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
By adopting a holistic approach, Volkswagen can lead the transition to electric mobility, not only in China but globally.
The Future Of Volkswagen And The Evolution Of Electric Vehicles
Volkswagen has become a leader in electric vehicle sales in Europe, but still faces challenges regarding sales and reducing its average emissions.
The introduction of range extenders could be a viable solution for the automaker, allowing it to maintain its market position while meeting regulatory demands.
In this way, Volkswagen seeks to turn consumer resistance into an opportunity, offering an affordable and efficient alternative to pure electric cars.
With lower battery costs and electric ranges exceeding 100 km, the new models with gasoline engines may be an attractive option for customers looking for a more economical and practical choice.
By innovatively incorporating combustion engines into its electric vehicles, Volkswagen can not only improve its sales in China but also contribute to a more sustainable future in the automotive sector.
This combination of electric technology with the reliability of a gasoline engine could be the key to winning over hesitant consumers and promoting a smoother transition to a predominantly electric automotive market.
SOURCE: TERRA
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