Li Auto Releases Extended Range Technology Whitepaper
Li Auto publishes detailed technical documentation on its extended-range electric vehicle technology, explaining why EREV beats pure BEV for many buyers.
Li Auto has published a comprehensive whitepaper defending extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology, arguing it offers the best balance of range, convenience, and total cost of ownership.
What is EREV?
Extended-Range Electric Vehicles combine:
- Large battery pack (40-50 kWh typically)
- Small gasoline generator (1.5L engine)
- Pure electric drivetrain (no mechanical connection to wheels)
Unlike traditional hybrids, EREVs drive like pure EVs—the engine only generates electricity, never powers the wheels directly.
Li Auto’s Key Arguments
1. Real-World Range Advantage
| Scenario | Pure BEV | Li Auto EREV |
|---|---|---|
| Summer, city | 500 km | 200 km EV + 800 km range |
| Winter, highway | 300 km | 120 km EV + 700 km range |
| Road trip | Multiple stops | Single tank + drive |
| Charging infra needed | Always | Optional |
Li Auto argues that published BEV ranges rarely match real-world conditions, especially in cold climates like Europe.
2. Total Cost Analysis (5-Year)
For a family SUV in northern climate:
| Cost Factor | Pure BEV | EREV |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price | $50,000 | $48,000 |
| Electricity (80% of driving) | $3,200 | $2,560 |
| Gasoline (20% of driving) | $0 | $1,800 |
| Home charger install | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Public charging premium | $2,500 | $500 |
| Battery degradation reserve | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| 5-Year Total | $62,700 | $56,860 |
The EREV comes out ahead due to smaller battery (less degradation cost) and reduced reliance on expensive public charging.
3. User Experience Benefits
Li Auto surveyed 50,000 owners and found:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Range anxiety instances | 2% vs 34% (BEV) |
| Trip planning time | 5 min vs 45 min |
| Charging wait time/month | 30 min vs 4 hours |
| Owner satisfaction | 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5 |
Li Auto’s EREV Technology
Current System Specs
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 42.8 kWh (usable) |
| Electric range | 210 km (WLTP) |
| Generator | 1.5L turbo, 113 kW |
| Total range | 1,100+ km |
| Fuel tank | 65 liters |
| Electric motor | 330 kW (rear) + 175 kW (front) |
Efficiency Claims
- City driving: 95%+ on electricity
- Mixed use: 80% on electricity
- Long trips: 60% on electricity
- Generator efficiency: 40%+ thermal efficiency
Counter-Arguments Addressed
”EREVs aren’t real EVs”
Li Auto’s response:
“Our vehicles drive 100% electric. The engine is a generator, not a propulsion source. Most owners charge at home and rarely use gasoline."
"EVs are the future, not hybrids”
Li Auto’s response:
“EREVs are a bridge technology that makes EV benefits accessible to buyers who can’t rely on charging infrastructure. As infrastructure improves, battery sizes can shrink."
"Maintenance complexity”
Li Auto’s response:
“Our 1.5L generator is simpler than a traditional engine—no transmission, clutch, or drivetrain. Maintenance costs are 30% lower than comparable hybrids.”
European Relevance
EREV technology addresses several European-specific challenges:
| Challenge | EREV Solution |
|---|---|
| Cold winters | Engine provides cabin heat without battery drain |
| Rural areas | No charging infrastructure needed |
| Long distances | 1,000+ km range on single tank |
| Apartment dwellers | Less reliance on home charging |
Li Auto’s Lineup
All Li Auto vehicles use EREV technology:
| Model | Type | Price (China) | Electric Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li L6 | Compact SUV | ¥249,800 | 180 km |
| Li L7 | Mid-size SUV | ¥319,800 | 210 km |
| Li L8 | Mid-size SUV | ¥339,800 | 210 km |
| Li L9 | Full-size SUV | ¥429,800 | 215 km |
Pure BEV Exception
Li Auto has introduced the MEGA, its first pure BEV:
- Target: Families who can charge at home
- Range: 710 km CLTC
- Charging: 12 min for 500 km (5C rate)
This suggests Li Auto sees a future where both technologies coexist.
Industry Perspective
Li Auto isn’t alone in backing EREV:
| Brand | EREV Strategy |
|---|---|
| Li Auto | Core technology |
| Nissan | E-Power series |
| Mazda | MX-30 R-EV |
| BMW | i3 REx (discontinued) |
The whitepaper positions Li Auto as a thought leader in range-extended technology.
For more on Li Auto’s vehicles, see our Li Auto L9 Complete Guide.