Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen to extend its range with range-extender PHEVs for Europe

EV-lite range-extender technology could prolong the shelf-life of Volkswagen’s petrol engine offerings to 2030 and beyond

Volkswagen Touareg - front cornering

It was previously understood that the forthcoming, second-generation Volkswagen T-Roc would be the maker’s final internal combustion-engined (ICE) car. But stagnating EV demand means the company is now investigating the feasibility of bringing range-extender tech to the European market – allowing petrol-powered VWs to be sold well into the next decade.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Speaking at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, Volkswagen’s board member for sales and marketing, Martin Sander, told Auto Express that the company was investing in range-extending hybrid systems, and that he saw it as a “ladder” to electric cars.

When asked whether the T-Roc was still set to be VW’s final ICE car, Sander replied: “What is a combustion engine? Here in China we're going to have range extenders with possibly 250-300km (155 to 186 miles) of electric range, and the combustion engine on board is basically a generator to charge the battery.

“I think you will see combustion engines in our vehicles for a long period of time that have a different purpose,” he told us. “We believe that in Europe there will be room for a range extender on the way to a fully battery electric [vehicle].”

Kai Grunitz Volkswagen’s board member for technical development insisted that there were no weight or packaging compromises to be made, either: “No, [range extenders] are not as heavy as a fully battery electric vehicles; if you take a look at our ID.7, we've got over 80kWh batteries, and having a range extender would mean that you can reduce the battery to 30kWh.

“Here in China, we're putting [the petrol engine] at the front,” Grunitz told us. “But you could do it in a different way. It depends on the customer's demands. You need the same amount of space as in a plug-in hybrid, so it's not a huge difference.”

It isn’t clear at this stage which model might utilise the range-extender tech, but it’s likely the company would focus on larger vehicles and those currently less suited to being pure-electric. This could give models like the Touareg SUV a stay of execution, giving them a longer zero-emission range and the possibility of vastly improved efficiency – providing the user plugs them in.

Are range extenders a good idea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - cornering

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way

Electric hot hatches are front and centre in Volkswagen’s electric future
News
30 Jun 2025
Volkswagen leasing deals 2025
Volkswagen Golf facelift 2024 UK - front tracking

Volkswagen leasing deals 2025

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
27 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks
VW ID2 spy shots - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks

The crucial new Volkswagen ID.2All, or ID.Polo, has finally been spotted up close at VW’s design centre
News
11 Jun 2025

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025