Xiaomi is preparing a car with a range extender: a real possibility for electric cars?

The arrival of electric mobility has led several technology companies to launch into producing electric models. Not all have succeeded, but an interesting opportunity has opened up for them to become part of the automotive market. One of these companies is Xiaomi, the Chinese technology firm that has presented an electric model about which it is gradually releasing information.

This electric car has not yet been shown in its final form, but it is expected that when it reaches the market, it will do so in two different versions. The first will be purely electric, with a fairly capable drivetrain and a battery that will supply it with the necessary energy. But it has just been announced that there will be a second version, also electric, but in addition to the battery, it will feature a range extender.

What is a range extender?

A range extender is a combustion engine that uses fossil fuel to produce energy and supply the car’s battery with the electricity needed to power the electric motors. This engine only activates when the battery is unable to maintain the energy level the electric motors require, and it does not drive the wheels, so it cannot be considered a hybrid car.

Range extenders have been used in several models, but a number of brands have chosen to abandon this system. However, Xiaomi is considering it for its MS11, the electric car it is developing. With this range extender, the car would achieve a range far greater than its purely electric alternative.

That said, the combustion engine does not need to be used if it is not necessary, since the battery can be charged at traditional chargers if needed. The 1.5-litre engine that will equip this version of the model can only be used when there is no possibility of charging the battery normally.

According to the Chinese outlet PanDaily, Xiaomi’s electric car will feature a 400-volt architecture in its entry-level version, with a Blade battery of BYD, while the top-of-the-range version will feature an 800-volt architecture and a Qilin battery, also of BYD, with a capacity of 101 kWh.

According to the data provided, this car will begin production in early 2024, although the first units will not reach the market until spring. However, for now, only in China. Its aim is to offer customers an alternative to the Tesla Model 3, and to that end, they claim it will be as well equipped as that car and offer a very appealing driving experience.