Published on: April 3, 2025 / update from: April 3, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Promotion of electric cars with a range: new focus in the coalition negotiations-Image: Xpert.digital
Future of e-mobility: Why the coalition relies on Range-Exterender
Coalition plans to restart: more flexible promotion of electrical drives
The planned coalition of the Union and SPD shows significant interest in promoting electric vehicles with range-extreme technology. While the parties in some areas of electromobility promotion are still dining, they have already agreed in supporting this special drive type. This signals a possible realignment of the German electromobility strategy that focuses on more flexibility.
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What are Range-Exterzers and why do you get relevant again?
A range-extender (range extender) is an additional energy supplier in an electric car, usually a small combustion engine or generator. In contrast to conventional hybrid vehicles, this motor does not drive the wheels directly, but only generates electricity to charge the driving battery if their loading status is low. This technology aims to reduce the so -called fear of reach - the concern to stay with an electric car due to empty battery.
Although Range-Exterender was already used in vehicles such as the Opel Ampera, the BMW i3 Rex or the Polestar 1 about a decade ago, the technology is currently experiencing a Renaissance. Despite progress in battery technology and the expansion of the charging infrastructure, the switch to fully electric mobility is slower than expected. Especially in regions with inadequate charging infrastructure or for long-haul drivers, electric cars with range-extender remain a practical alternative.
The Volkswagen Group as a pioneer
Volkswagen is currently intensively examining the use of range extreme for the US market, whereby an introduction could also follow in Europe. First, the technology for the VW brand Scout is intended, the models of which will be equipped with an 800-volt architecture. In the case of the Range-Extender version, called "Harvester", a small petrol engine as a generator should provide additional electricity and increase the range of 560 to up to 800 kilometers.
Planned support measures of the future coalition
In their coalition negotiations, the Union and SPD have already agreed on various measures to promote electromobility, including explicitly the “promotion of plug-in hybrid technology and e-vehicles with range extender (EREV) and corresponding regulation at European level”. This is a clear change of direction compared to the previous traffic light coalition, which, according to plans, wanted to completely delete e-car funding from 2026.
The agreed funding measures include:
- A tax favor of company cars by increasing the gross price limit in the tax funding of e-vehicles to EUR 100,000
- A special depreciation for electric vehicles
- The vehicle tax exemption for electric cars by 2035
- The accelerated expansion and ensuring the financing of a nationwide charging network
- The exemption of emission -free trucks from tolls beyond 2026
Open questions and differences in the coalition negotiations
Despite the unity among Range-Exterzers, there are still differences between the Union and the SPD in other areas of electromobility promotion. The Union has brought a purchase bonus or tax funding into the discussion, which the SPD has not yet supported. Instead, the SPD calls for a “social leasing program for people with small and medium-sized incomes”, which in turn is still rejected by the Union.
Another point of dispute concerns the EU-wide burner ban from 2035. The Union would like to cancel it again and demands: "The entire life cycle of a vehicle should be included in the CO2 balance sheet in the future and fleet regulation is being revised accordingly". The SPD, on the other hand, explains: "We are one of the fleet limit values and the goal of only allowing zero emission vehicles across the EU from 2035".
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Discussion about speed limit
Another point of dispute is the speed limit. The SPD calls for a general speed limit of 130 km/h on motorways, while the Union categorically rejects this. This position has so far remained unchanged in the negotiations.
Perspectives for the German car market
The planned promotion of electric cars with a range-extreme could give new swing to the staggering switch to electromobility in Germany. The changeover has so far been slow, and both politics and industry are looking for ways to re -initiate change.
In their measures, the Union and SPD rely on incentives instead of coercion. A legally anchored quota for electric cars reject both sides, as well as fines at EU level. The common basic tone is: Electromobility should be advanced by positive incentives, not by duties.
Xpert electromobility, solar obligation & solar carport – Image: Krivosheev Vitaly|Shutterstock.com
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Electric cars with a range: a compromise for the general mass?
The promotion of electric cars with range-extreme could be a pragmatic compromise that takes into account both ecological goals and practical user requirements. This technology offers a bridge between conventional and purely electric drives and could help increase the acceptance of electromobility in the general public.
It remains to be seen whether the planned measures will be sufficient to significantly increase the market share of electric vehicles. It will be crucial how quickly and comprehensively the agreed funding measures are implemented and whether they actually have the hoped -for effect. However, the inclusion of range-extreme technology in the funding strategy shows that the future coalition is willing to go more technology-open ways than its predecessors.
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