# Automotive development of extended-range electric vehicles > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-development-of-extended-range-electric-vehicles > Updated: 2026-08-18T12:00:25.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Automotive manufacturers are developing extended-range electric vehicle (eREV) technologies to address range anxiety and improve efficiency. Renault is utilizing the RGEV Medium 2.0 platform and the Atkinson cycle to develop eREV models capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometers of range. In Renault’s approach, the internal combustion engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery. Audi has filed a patent for a different eREV powertrain design that integrates the combustion engine directly with a secondary electric motor using specialized couplings and a differential. While Renault uses the engine strictly as a generator, Audi’s system allows the secondary motor to either engage an axle for four-wheel drive or decouple from the wheels to function as a generator. This design aims to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating a dedicated third generator motor, despite increasing mechanical complexity. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Renault develops extended-range electric vehicles to improve autonomy Renault is developing extended-range electric vehicles (eREV) using combustion engines as generators to achieve ranges over 1,000 km, leveraging efficient technologies like the Atkinson cycle. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/renault-develops-extended-range-electric-vehicles-to-improve-autonomy ### 2026-08-18: Audi patents new electric vehicle range-extender technology Audi has patented a unique EREV powertrain that allows a secondary electric motor to switch between driving an axle and acting as a generator for the combustion engine. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-patents-new-electric-vehicle-range-extender-technology --- Cite as: Automotive development of extended-range electric vehicles. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-development-of-extended-range-electric-vehicles