The arrival of new range extender (REx) models could help bridge the fleet electrification gap, providing a new stepping stone to fully electric vehicles, according to FleetCheck.

Leapmotor International is imminently launching a range-extender version of its C10 family SUV in Europe

Ford has said this month that it’s developing REx models following a global EV sales decline while Stellantis recently unveiled a ‘multi-energy’ platform designed for trucks and SUVs and able to support internal combustion, hybrid, hydrogen, battery electric (BEV) and range extender technologies. And Stellantis joint venture Leapmotor International is imminently launching a REx version of its C10 family SUV in Europe.

Mazda already offers a range-extender version of its MX-30 crossover in the UK, available alongside the fully electric model but with a longer driving range.

Fleet technology specialist FleetCheck said REx series hybrid models could supplant conventional plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) parallel hybrids as a valuable stepping stone to full electrification, providing a longer-range and lower-cost alternative to fully electric vehicles without the operational issues of PHEVs.

Peter Golding, managing director, said: “The problem with PHEVs, as many fleet managers will attest, is that it’s easy for drivers to never bother to charge them unless they are closely monitored, effectively using them as an ICE vehicle. Leasing companies sometimes receive them back with the charging cable still in its wrapper.

“For some employees, they’ve been a route to access lower Benefit-in-Kind taxation while often actually polluting and using more fuel than a petrol or diesel equivalent because the weight of a little used electric drivetrain is being carried around.

“In contrast, REx vehicles are electric-first and make sense where their ICE capacity is designed to offer enough reassurance to offset issues surrounding range.”

Golding added that for fleet applications where electrification is proving tough – such as pickups, proper offroad 4x4s and larger vans – they could offer a genuine bridge until charging infrastructure, battery technology and pricing, improve “to the point that an electric vehicle becomes practical”.

He went on: “The new Ford and Stellantis vehicles being engineered appear largely aimed at the US market but no doubt the technology could be adapted for use in Europe if there was sufficient demand. It could potentially make an impact if applied to larger panel vans, which remains probably the most prominent, difficult-to-solve area of electrification. “

But Golding warned any widespread fleet move towards REx technology in these categories would require some form of government recognition and support.

“We know from measures in the latest Budget that the Government is moving against PHEVs in both Benefit-in-Kind and vehicle excise duty terms, and our understanding is that RExs are classified for taxation purposes in the same way, so there would probably have to be some changes to create a situation where manufacturers are encouraged to introduce them.”