Hyundai’s Upcoming EREVs Will Primarily Be Used on “Larger Vehicles,” Says CEO

At its 2025 CEO Investor Day, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for its 2030 vision, targeting 5.55 million annual global sales by the end of the decade, with about 60 percent, more than 3.3 million units, expected to come from electrified vehicles including hybrids, battery electrics, and extended-range EREVs. The strategy places strong emphasis on hybrids as a bridge technology, with plans to launch over 18 hybrid models by 2030 and bring hybrid powertrains to Genesis starting in 2026.

Hyundai plans to introduce its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) around 2027, focusing on larger SUVs and trucks rather than compact models. These vehicles will combine a sizeable battery with a small gasoline engine used only as a generator, extending driving range without compromising the EV-like experience. Hyundai is targeting around 600 miles of total range, using smaller batteries than today’s long-range BEVs while easing range anxiety for drivers who lack reliable access to fast charging.

Hyundai’s EREVs will primarily be used on “larger vehicles,” Hyundai Motor Company CEO José Muñoz said at a media briefing last week. The platform won’t be used for smaller vehicles, Muñoz said.

“We see them more useful for larger vehicles, because basically, you remove your range anxiety, and then you can, you can get [the] longer distances which are driven by the American consumer,” Muñoz said.

Muñoz added, “If you want to go for a long weekend and you have to make a lot of miles, you have certain anxiety, because you don’t know if the charger is going to work, etc, etc. So then you need a different technology.”

Specific models haven’t been confirmed, but EREV versions of the Santa Fe, Genesis GV70, and possibly future pickup trucks are rumored to be among the first. Hyundai also plans to support its strategy with wider charging access, including adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and partnerships through the IONNA Network.

Hyundai’s approach mirrors a broader industry trend. Ram is preparing its 1500 Ramcharger pickup, Ford has hinted at hybrid-style range-extended EV options, and Scout Motors has revealed plans for EREVs alongside its all-electric lineup. Compared with rivals, Hyundai’s timeline is slightly later, but its emphasis on SUVs and premium crossovers positions it to capture buyers in segments where range concerns and charging infrastructure gaps are most acute. For Hyundai, EREVs serve as both a bridge technology and a hedge, offering flexibility if EV adoption slows or charging access lags behind demand.

“I think by by 2030, you will see a good balance, I would say roughly 50/50, between hybrids and EVs,” Muñoz said.

From Compact Pioneers to Big Rigs: How EREV Technology Is Shifting Gears

When extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) first appeared on the scene, they were often small, efficient cars designed to introduce drivers to electrification without the anxiety of running out of power. Early models like the Chevrolet Volt and the BMW i3 blended modest batteries with a small gasoline engine that acted as a generator when needed. At the time, these vehicles were often lumped into the “plug-in hybrid” category, but by today’s definitions they would be considered true EREVs: cars that run primarily on electric power, with the engine serving only to recharge the battery.

Fast forward to today, and the role of EREVs is changing dramatically. Instead of compact commuter cars, automakers are applying the technology to larger SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. By pairing a substantial battery with a small onboard generator, automakers can deliver an EV-like driving experience while providing hundreds of extra miles of range and reducing dependence on public fast charging.

This strategy is catching on most rapidly in China, where range-extended EVs are booming. Several Chinese automakers, including Li Auto, have found success with large EREV SUVs that offer long electric ranges for daily driving and gasoline-powered backup for road trips. For many families, this delivers the convenience and peace of mind they need while the national charging network continues to expand.