Hyundai Targets US with Extended-Range EVs, Promising 600-Mile Range
Hyundai plans to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) to the US, starting with the three-row Santa Fe. These vehicles use a gasoline engine solely to charge the battery, unlike traditional plug-in hybrids. The company claims a combined range of over 600 miles and all-wheel drive via dual motors.
Hyundai’s EREV strategy mirrors a category that gained traction in China after regulators tightened incentives for plug-in hybrids, requiring at least 62 miles of battery-only range. Unlike conventional PHEVs, the gasoline engine in these vehicles only charges the battery, never directly driving the wheels. The Santa Fe EREV will pair dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and claim over 600 miles of combined range, with the Genesis GV70 variant reaching 640 miles. Production for the Santa Fe will occur in Alabama, while the GV70 remains built in South Korea.
Hyundai also plans to expand North American factory capacity by 500,000 units by 2030 and introduce ten new conventional hybrids. Competitors are moving similarly: Stellantis is developing an EREV for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500, while Ford and Volkswagen’s Scout division are exploring EREV trucks and SUVs.
This move could reshape consumer expectations for electric vehicles, offering a bridge for those wary of charging infrastructure. By combining a large battery with a range-extending engine, Hyundai may reduce range anxiety while still delivering electric-like driving dynamics. However, the reliance on gasoline—even as a generator—means emissions persist, and the technology’s long-term environmental benefit depends on how often drivers use electric-only mode. Competing automakers following suit could accelerate adoption among mainstream buyers, but may also slow the shift to fully battery-electric fleets.