Wuling is increasingly becoming a name to watch in the global EV industry, particularly in developing countries where affordability and practicality matter most. One of the brand’s key innovations is its range-extended technology, which combines electric propulsion with a small onboard gasoline generator. In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about how it works, and why it might be the perfect middle ground for your next vehicle.
Q1: What is a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)?
A Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) is primarily powered by an electric motor and battery pack, but it also includes a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator. This engine does not drive the wheels directly; instead, it recharges the battery when it’s low, extending the total driving range of the car.
Q2: How is Wuling’s range extender different from a hybrid?
While both REEVs and hybrids use a combination of gasoline and electric power, the difference lies in the driving mechanics:
Hybrid (HEV/PHEV): The engine can directly drive the wheels, sometimes working together with the electric motor.
Wuling REEV: The engine is only used to generate electricity. The wheels are always driven by the electric motor, ensuring a smoother and more consistent EV-like experience.
Q3: What are the benefits of using extended-range technology for commercial vehicles?
Compared with pure electric vehicles, extended-range vehicles have longer driving range and faster refueling speed, which can effectively reduce range anxiety. Compared with fuel vehicles, extended-range vehicles have lower fuel consumption and can effectively reduce vehicle use costs.
Applying extended-range technology to the commercial vehicle field can meet the needs of more users, such as users with inconvenient charging conditions and long-distance users who want to reduce vehicle use costs, providing them with a more suitable new choice.
Q4: Why choose Wuling Hongguang as the first model to be equipped with extended-range technology?
As Wuling’s iconic model, Wuling Hongguang has been leading the market for 15 consecutive years since its launch, winning the trust and choice of over 6 million users.
The reason why Hongguang series was chosen to be the first to be equipped with extended-range technology is that Hongguang can meet users’ flexible and versatile usage scenarios, allowing more users to enjoy the benefits of extended-range technology and promote the realization of universal access to new energy technologies.
Q5: How does the Wuling Hongguang Extended Range version perform in terms of fuel consumption compared to gasoline vehicles?
The Wuling Hongguang Extended Range version has a fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km when fully fueled and fully charged, and a range of up to 1,000km. In actual tests conducted by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, even when fully loaded with 1,990kg, the fuel consumption when powered is only 4.93L/100km.
Q6: How does the extended-range version perform in the northern winter?
The Wuling Hongguang extended-range version has passed the -30°C~50°C environmental full temperature range real vehicle calibration and road test verification, which shows that it is also strong in the northern winter!
The Hongguang extended-range version is equipped with an advanced battery thermal management system, which is like putting on a super warm “smart cold-proof clothing” for the battery.
Compared with pure electric vehicles, the Wuling Hongguang extended-range version is equivalent to carrying a “mobile power station”. At low temperatures, if the battery life is affected, the range extender immediately starts to generate electricity and continuously supplies energy to the vehicle, just like adding a continuous “range supply pack” to the car, without worrying about a significant reduction in range.
Q7: Will Wuling Red Label have other models with extended-range versions in the future?
We apply extended-range technology to commercial vehicles based on user needs and other considerations, including the user’s sensitivity to purchase costs, the diversity of commercial vehicle users in usage scenarios, and considerations of various aspects of heavy road conditions.
“Wuling makes what the people need”, this is still our purpose of making cars. Wuling Red Label will actively respond to user needs, continuously innovate technology, and provide more good cars that can satisfy users.
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds
Wuling’s range-extended technology offers an elegant solution between pure EVs and traditional gas vehicles. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile vehicle, The Wuling Hongguang extended-range version might just be your ideal match.