Summary of Key Points
Range-extended vehicles (REVs) were once the "secret to sales" in China's new energy market in 2024, with annual sales reaching 1.167 million units and a growth rate of 78.7% (3.5 times that of pure electric vehicles). Brands like Li Auto and WM Motor saw rapid success thanks to REVs, with Li Auto achieving annual sales of 500,000 units and the range-extended version of the WM M9 accounting for 90% of their total sales. However, in 2025-2026, the growth rate of REVs plummeted to single digits, and their market share was eroded by pure electric vehicles (PEVs). In the first quarter of 2026, REV sales decreased by 18.2% year-on-year, while PEV market share only dropped by 0.9%. The reasons include user habits that do not align with the advantages of REVs (many owners use REVs as if they were pure electric vehicles, leading to anxiety about short range), soaring oil prices and high maintenance costs, and improvements in PEV technology (longer range, faster charging, and lower prices). Nevertheless, REVs have not completely become obsolete; there is still demand for them in areas with limited charging infrastructure, such as the northwest and northeast regions, as well as in high-end models, though they have shifted from being a "popular choice for everyone" to a "niche option."
The Rollercoaster of Range-Extended Vehicles: From Boom to Slowing Growth
In 2024, REVs were the absolute stars, with sales reaching 1.167 million units and a growth rate of 78.7%, far outpacing PEVs' 22.6%. Li Auto and WM Motor were the biggest beneficiaries, with Li Auto delivering 500,000 units for the year (the highest sales among new entrants), and the range-extended version of the WM M9 accounting for 90% of their total sales, which was 1.7 times that of the BMW X5. Joint venture brands also joined in (such as Volkswagen's ID.ERA 9X and Nissan's NX8). However, just one year later, the situation reversed: 148 new hybrid and REV models were launched in 2025, but the growth rate of REVs dropped to single digits. In the first quarter of 2026, REV sales fell by 18.2%, while hybrid vehicle sales declined by 31.9%. Together, their market share plummeted from 17.2% to 15.1%. In the past three months, none of the top five new energy vehicle sellers were REVs; even models like the Li Auto L6/i6 and Leapmotor C10 sold better in their pure electric versions.
Users' Votes: The Advantages of REVs Have Become a Burden
The core selling points of REVs were "no range anxiety (since you can refuel)" and "pure electric experience," but users' actual habits do not match these claims:
- Using REVs as if they were pure electric vehicles: A 2023 survey by Autohome found that 80% of REV owners charged their cars 1-3 times per week, and 14.7% charged 4-6 times per week. Early research by Li Auto also indicated that 90% of the vehicle's range was covered on pure electric power.
- New concerns have emerged: A Rednote user reported that although they bought a REV to avoid range anxiety (with a range of only 200-300 km), they now worry about running out of battery and prefer not to refuel at all due to the short range.
- The reality of high oil prices: In the first quarter of 2026, gasoline prices rose by 2,320 yuan per ton, costing an additional 92 yuan to fill a 50-liter tank, with 95-octane fuel approaching 10 yuan per liter. At 0.43 yuan per kilometer for fuel and 0.2-0.31 yuan for charging, the cost difference is significant. Users prefer to wait in line for charging rather than refueling, rendering the "refuelability" advantage of REVs ineffective.
Hidden Costs: Higher Maintenance Expenses for REVs
REVs have two separate systems (the electric motor and the range extender), resulting in higher maintenance costs:
- Essential maintenance for both types of vehicles: Regular checks on the battery and motor are necessary.
- Range extender maintenance is unavoidable: Even if you don't use the range extender, you still need to change the oil regularly (some manufacturers require special oil). For example, some owners reported that a minor maintenance task (changing the oil) cost over 300 yuan, whereas this expense is not required for pure electric vehicles, saving enough money for two charges.
Over time, the overall cost of owning a REV is much higher than that of a pure electric vehicle, prompting more users to switch to PEVs.
The Comeback of Pure Electric Vehicles: Overcoming Shortcomings and Stealing REV Market Share
Two years ago, REVs were popular because PEVs had three major drawbacks: short range, slow charging, and high prices. However, these issues have been addressed in 2026:
- Longer range: Large SUVs now offer pure electric versions with a CLTC range of at least 600 km, with some (like the Xpeng GX and WM M9 pure electric version) reaching nearly 1,000 km.
- Faster charging: 800V high-voltage platforms and 5C fast charging have become widespread, allowing 300 km of range to be charged in just 10 minutes. NIO has over 3,800 charging stations, with quick charging taking only 3 minutes.
- Lower prices: Pure electric SUVs in the 150,000-250,000 yuan price range now offer good range, space, and intelligence, with some models costing similar to their REV counterparts.
Pure electric vehicles have squeezed REVs out of the market. Initially, people bought REVs to avoid the shortcomings of pure electric vehicles, but now that these issues have been resolved, there is no reason to choose REVs.
REVs Are Not Dead, Just Moving to a Secondary Role
REVs are not completely obsolete; their demand has become more niche:
- Regional needs: In areas with limited charging infrastructure, such as the northwest and northeast, REV versions are still popular (for example, the AION i60 range-extended version is mainly sold in these regions).
- High-end market: Models like the WM M9 and Krypton 9X in the 500,000 yuan price range still rely heavily on REV versions. High-end customers value the peace of mind provided by extended range for long drives and are willing to pay extra for this feature.
- Family needs: Some families want the low cost of urban driving with pure electric vehicles while also needing the reliability of longer ranges for long trips, so manufacturers continue to offer both REV and pure electric options (for example, the Dongfeng Nissan NX8 has a 2:1 split in sales between the two versions).
Conclusion: REVs have fulfilled their transitional role in helping users transition from fuel-powered vehicles to new energy vehicles. However, as PEVs become more mature, they will evolve from being a "secret to sales" to a niche option. In the future, the brand that can offer a better experience at a lower cost (whether pure electric or REV) will win the market.