Volkswagen confirms range extender hybrid for Europe – but what’s a range extender?

Volkswagen's ID Era will be the first from the brand to use range extender hybrid tech - (Steve Fowler)

Volkswagen has confirmed that its new range extender hybrid technology – revealed for the first time in its ID. Era SUV at the Shanghai Motor Show – will be coming to Europe.

A range extender uses a petrol engine to generate electricity that will then charge a battery that then drives an electric motor or power the electric motor directly – they’re often referred to as REX (range extenders) or EREVs (electric range extender vehicles).