# Electric vehicle range extender developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/electric-vehicle-range-extender-developments > Updated: 2026-09-15T02:08:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are exploring range extender technologies to mitigate the limitations of electric vehicle range and inconsistent charging infrastructure. Volkswagen investigated implementing a small internal combustion engine as a generator for the electric ID. Buzz to support markets like the United States. However, the project was abandoned because the MEB platform architecture lacked the necessary space to accommodate the generator. In a different application, German supplier Mahle has developed Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology specifically for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles. This modular system integrates a compact diesel generator into the space typically reserved for battery modules, effectively doubling the driving range of electric trucks to over 800 kilometers. Unlike traditional hybrids, the vehicle is driven exclusively by electric motors. When the battery reaches a critical level, an internal combustion engine activates a high-voltage generator to produce electricity rather than providing mechanical power to the wheels. Recent developments from Mahle highlight the system's ability to replace approximately one-third of a vehicle's original battery capacity, reducing total vehicle weight by about 600 kilograms. The company noted that when utilizing renewable HVO100 fuel, the system can reduce carbon dioxide emissions to “nearly zero.” Furthermore, Mahle is introducing the MAHLE Contactless Transmitter (MCT), a permanent magnet-free electric motor for heavy-duty truck drive axles. By eliminating rare-earth metals, the MCT motor reduces reliance on critical minerals by up to 3 kilograms per vehicle, offering a peak power of 370 kW and an efficiency of up to 95%. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: MAHLE unveils range extender and magnet-free motor for electric trucks MAHLE has unveiled a range extender for electric trucks to increase driving range to over 800km and a new magnet-free MCT motor to reduce reliance on rare earth metals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-unveils-range-extender-and-magnet-free-motor-for-electric-trucks ### 2026-09-11: MAHLE unveils new thermal management and electric truck technologies MAHLE is introducing advanced thermal management for rail vehicles and a new range extender system for electric trucks to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-unveils-new-thermal-management-and-electric-truck-technologies ### 2026-08-23: Mahle develops diesel-powered range extender for electric trucks German supplier Mahle has unveiled an EREV system for electric trucks that uses a compact diesel generator to extend driving range to over 800 km while reducing total vehicle weight. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-develops-diesel-powered-range-extender-for-electric-trucks ### 2026-08-18: Mahle unveils range extender for electric trucks Mahle has introduced a range extender for electric trucks that uses a compact internal combustion engine and generator to extend driving range to over 800 kilometers while reducing vehicle weight. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mahle-unveils-range-extender-for-electric-trucks ### 2026-08-10: Volkswagen considered range extender for electric ID. Buzz Volkswagen considered adding a gasoline-powered range extender to the electric ID. Buzz to improve range, but the plan was rejected due to insufficient space within the vehicle's architecture. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volkswagen-considered-range-extender-for-electric-id-buzz --- Cite as: Electric vehicle range extender developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/electric-vehicle-range-extender-developments