Are there any new electric cars with petrol generators like the Vauxhall Ampera?
Are there any new cars electric drive with petrol to charge the battery like the Vauxhall Ampera?
Asked on 30 March 2023 by George Hamilton
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/120x120/media/10703009/david-polaroid.jpg)
Electric cars with petrol generators have been something of a rarity, with cars like the Vauxhall Ampera being one of the few examples. BMW also offered its i3 electric car with a range extending battery, but this car had been discontinued.
However, Nissan have recently introduced e-POWER versions of its Qashqai and X-Trail which use this functionality, although it remains something of a niche option at present as most manufacturers focus their efforts on pure EVs.
However, Nissan have recently introduced e-POWER versions of its Qashqai and X-Trail which use this functionality, although it remains something of a niche option at present as most manufacturers focus their efforts on pure EVs.
Tags:
petrol
range extenders
Similar questions
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/75x75/media/13689587/andy-polaroid-copy.jpg)
What do you think of these? To me they seem to be the answer given the issues of finding chargers and general range anxiety. The only ones I have heard of though are old BMW i3 and a new Mazda with a Wankel...
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/75x75/media/13689587/andy-polaroid-copy.jpg)
We’re seeing more hybrid and pure electric cars but very few electric range extender cars (e.g. BMW i3 REx). Why do we not see more of these?
Your normal day to day mileage or even long motorway trip...
Related models
![](/media/_v6/5254865/Vauxhall Ampera (2).jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Smooth and quiet powertrain, excellent ride quality, high standard specification.
![](/media/_v6/17224298/Nissan-Qashqai-(1).jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Extremely versatile cabin with a large boot and plenty of space, improved cabin quality, hybrid version is refined and relatively affordable.