ZF unveils flexible range extender tech to solve EV range anxiety. Here's how it works
As the auto industry leans heavily toward full electrification, German automotive supplier ZF is preparing a different kind of solution. The company recently announced it will launch a new electric range extender system by 2026, aimed at easing concerns about EV range without abandoning combustion engines entirely.
A range extender essentially transforms a standard electric vehicle into a hybrid without it actually propelling the wheels. A small petrol engine instead acts as a generator that will charge your battery when needed. Unlike plug-in hybrids, where the engine can drive the vehicle as well as charge the battery, range extenders have the engine to constantly run at its optimal speed resulting in improved fuel economy and lowered emissions.
Also Read : Future of control? ZF Lifetec unveils new steering wheel with safety and tech
While this technology is not entirely new—cars like the BMW i3 used similar setups—ZF believes there's still a market need. Despite modern EVs achieving around 500 kilometers of range, many buyers still experience "range anxiety," especially in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
ZF makes the case that range extender systems have a number of benefits when compared to plug-in hybrids. They are less expensive to produce, simpler to design, and based on less complicated supply chains. And since the petrol engine is not connected to the wheels, it can be optimized exclusively for producing electricity, which makes the whole system more efficient.
'This technology represents a cost-effective alternative to larger batteries or plug-in hybrids," said Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Senior Vice President of Electrified Powertrain Technology at ZF. ZF range extender: Two versions
The upcoming system will be available in two variants: eRE and eRE+. The eRE version pairs an electric motor with an integrated converter and a planetary gearset. The eRE+ adds an intelligent clutch and differential, enabling it to work either as a generator or as a secondary drive source if needed.
Also Read : This new semiconductor claims to increase EV range by 10%
Power outputs will be adjustable according to customer requirements. The eRE will offer between 93 and 147 horsepower, while the eRE+ could deliver up to 201 horsepower. ZF's move to reintroduce range extenders highlights the continuing evolution of EV technologies. Instead of larger, costlier batteries, these systems may offer manufacturers a more flexible, efficient path forward—especially for vehicles already built on electric platforms.
Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India.
First Published Date: 30 Apr 2025, 19:00 PM IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
18 minutes ago
- News18
BMW India To Hike Prices By Up to 3 Pc Across Range, Starting From September 1
Last Updated: The company said that the decision about the same has been taken due to adverse impact of continued forex fluctuation and global supply chain dynamics. German luxury carmaker BMW on Thursday said it will hike prices of its vehicles across its range by up to 3 per cent from September 1, 2025, citing the adverse impact of continued forex fluctuation and global supply chain dynamics. BMW currently sells a range of luxury cars and SUVs, including electric vehicles, starting with the 2 Series Gran Coupé priced at Rs 46.9 lakh and the BMW XM tagged at Rs 2.6 crore. 'BMW India's growth and sales momentum in the first half of the year has been remarkable. However, factors like continued forex impact and global supply chain dynamics have been leading to increased material and logistics costs," BMW Group India President and CEO Vikram Pawah said. Further, he said, 'In the festive season, we are geared to introduce several new power-packed profiles of our cars. As the strong demand for BMW's luxurious, pioneering cars continues, we will deliver exceptional performance and innovation to our valued customers." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Tata, Merck explore exclusive chemical deal for Dholera semiconductor facility
ETtech Tata Electronics is in discussions with German chemicals giant Merck for a potential exclusive long-term agreement, people aware of the developments told ET. The deal would see Merck become a primary supplier of specialty chemicals and materials essential for semiconductor manufacturing at Tata's upcoming Dholera facility. The Dholera fab, a 91,000 crore ($11 billion) project, is a joint venture with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) of Taiwan. It's a cornerstone of India's ambitious push to establish a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. As construction progresses and the plant gears up for production by 2026, securing a steady and reliable supply of ultra-pure chemicals is paramount. A potential partnership with Merck will help seal this gap, analysts said. 'Tata Electronics is in active negotiations with Merck,' said one of the persons. ' Tata is evaluating the offer and is yet to sign on the dotted line but securing a chemicals partner is very much on their agenda. It will boil down to whether they agree to the exclusivity.' Semiconductor manufacturing uses more than 150 chemicals and over 30 gases and minerals in the production processes. Analysts said this exclusive partnership would provide Tata Electronics with supply chain stability, a critical factor in the volatile global semiconductor market and will help Merck make a foray into India's burgeoning semiconductor industry.'We have been monitoring semiconductor manufacturing developments in India for the past couple of years,' a Merck spokesperson said. 'We believe that India is becoming an increasingly important partner in the global semiconductor ecosystem. However, at this time it is too early to talk about concrete plans for India. We continue to closely follow opportunities that align with our strategic goals.'Tata Electronics didn't respond to queries. Merck is a global leader in specialty chemicals and serves as a crucial ancillary supplier for both existing and future chipmakers, said Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research. It provides a comprehensive portfolio of high-purity materials, including chemicals, gases, and metrology and inspection solutions. 'These offerings support chipmakers throughout various stages of manufacturing, from deposition and etching to final quality control,' he explained. 'An exclusive agreement between Merck and Tata Electronics would create significant strategic advantages for both companies. For Tata Electronics, an exclusive partnership would ensure a consistent, prioritized, and uninterrupted supply of critical materials, mitigating supply chain risks. Having a special price lock-in often comes with exclusivity.' It will allow Tata Electronics to leverage Merck's extensive supplier experience and R&D capabilities. It could thus lead to the development of robust processes, improved manufacturing yields and an accelerated timeline for their chip production.'For Merck, partnering with Tata Electronics, a key player in India's emerging semiconductor landscape, would be a major strategic win,' Shah said. 'As India becomes a more important market for chip manufacturing, this partnership would provide Merck with significant scale and a strong foothold. This position would enable Merck to expand its operational base in India, invest in local R&D, and potentially benefit from government incentives.'Merck will require a robust ecosystem to establish a successful chemicals plant in Gujarat. This includes not only reliable infrastructure--electricity, water, security, logistics--but also a well-developed upstream supply chain with local partners in raw materials to packaging. Shah said this 'holistic ecosystem' is essential to support and sustain Merck's was the first to report in February that Merck was looking to set up a specialty chemicals facility in India. In May, Union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that Merck, among other companies, was gearing up for the growth of India's semiconductor industry. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tariffs, tantrums, and tech: How Trump's trade drama is keeping Indian IT on tenterhooks Good, bad, ugly: How will higher ethanol in petrol play out for you? As big fat Indian wedding slims to budget, Manyavar loses lustre As 50% US tariff looms, 6 key steps that can safeguard Indian economy Stock Radar: JSPL forms Ascending Triangle pattern on weekly charts, could hit fresh 52-week high soon Nifty and business are different species: 5 small-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 30% F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty to play index's negative stance amid volatility Wealth creation: Look beyond the obvious in some things; 10 fertilizer sector companies worth watching
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 hours ago
- First Post
Premier League 2025-26: Top five new players, title favourites, Matchday 1 schedule and live streaming
The 2025-26 season of the Premier League gets underway with defending champions Liverpool facing Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming season. Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres are two new signings to keep an eye on in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Reuters The 2025-26 Premier League season gets underway with defending champions Liverpool facing Bournemouth in an emotional season-opener at The Anfield, the English top-flight strengthened by a remarkable £2 billion ($2.7 billion) spending splurge, a sizeable chunk of it spent by the Reds. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming season, from the key signings to watch out for and title favourites to Matchday 1 schedule and information on live streaming: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Top five new signings to watch out this season Florian Wirtz, Liverpool: The biggest signing of the summer so far, ($157 million) from Bayer Leverkusen, the spotlight will firmly be on the German attacking midfielder and whether he can live up to his price tag or not. He did, however, impress in the at the Wembley, providing an assist to fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike early in the game. Hugo Ekitike made an instant impression after joining Liverpool on a £79 million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring the opening goal in the fourth minute of the contest. AP Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool: It took under four minutes for Hugo Ekitike, who had joined the defending champions from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million ($107 million), to make an impact on Liverpool debut as he put the Reds in the lead with a superb strike. Like Wirtz, Ekitike too will have the spotlight on him this season, being the second-most expensive signing of the summer transfer window so far. More from Football Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United: Ruben Amorim's side have opted for a complete overhaul in their attack as they desperately seek to return to European competition this season after their horrendous 15th-place finish in May. And the Portuguese manager will be hoping that Slovenian striker Sesko, who (approximately $100 million) provides a towering presence at 6'5, makes a formidable trio with Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha up front. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal: The Gunners have had their eyes on the Swedish centre-forward, who is among the deadliest finishers in the world and has played a key role in each of Sporting CP's title-winning campaigns in the last two Primeira Liga seasons. And after weeks of suspense, Mikel Arteta's side ($86.05 million) on a five-year contract on 27 July. Arteta will be hoping Gyokeres is able to carry that red-hot goal-scoring form over to England and help his side finally lift their first Premier League title since 2004. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Cherki, who joins Man City for £34 million ($46 million), had created as many as 125 chances across competitions for Lyon last season, with only Barcelona's Raphina and city rivals United's Bruno Fernandes having bettered that tally. That alone should make the Frenchman among the new signings to keep an eye on this season. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who are the title favourites in the 2025-26 Premier League? Liverpool had clinched the Premier League last season with four matches to spare in Arne Slot's maiden season in charge, and with their ambitious shopping in the summer transfer window, there's no reason to believe that the Reds cannot win back-to-back titles for the first time in the Premier League era. Then again, one cannot leave Arsenal and Manchester City out of the conversation while discussing Premier League title favourites. With their ambitious purchases in the transfer window, Liverpool certainly will back themselves to win back-to-back Premier League titles. AP City have been the most dominant team in the English top-flight since legendary manager Alex Ferguson bid United goodbye in the summer of 2013, missing out on the title once twice since the 2017-18 season – getting thwarted by Liverpool on both occasions. A key reason why they looked relatively off-colour last season was injury to key players, including and especially Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. And there's no reason to believe Guardiola's men can't bounce back and win their 11th top-flight title this season. As for the Gunners, Arteta certainly has transformed them into a formidable and consistent side with the 13-time English top-flight champions finishing runners-up in each of the last three seasons – twice to City and to Liverpool last season. With a goal-scoring machine in striker Gyokeres in their ranks along with an elite holding midfielder in Martin Zubimendi – who joins from Real Sociedad for £60 million ($81 million), who's to say Arteta cannot deliver his fans their first league title since the Invincibles' triumph in 2003-04. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Matchday 1 Full schedule Here's the full schedule for Matchday 1 (timings in IST; home team mentioned first): – Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 16 August at 12.30 am) – Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Saturday, 16 August at 5 pm) – Brighton vs Fulham (Saturday, 16 August at 7.30 pm) – Sunderland vs West Ham (Saturday, 16 August at 7.30 pm) – Tottenham vs Burnley (Saturday, 16 August at 7.30 pm) – Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City (Saturday, 16 August at 10 pm) – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 17 August at 6.30 pm) – Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Sunday, 17 August at 6.30 pm) – Manchester United vs Arsenal (Sunday, 17 August at 9 pm) – Leeds United vs Everton (Tuesday, 19 August at 12.30 am) Where to watch Premier League on TV and online in India? The Premier League will continue to be telecast on the Star Sports Network on television and will be streamed live on the JioHotstar website and mobile application.
