EREVs—A Compelling Stepping Stone That Makes the Leap to BEVs Less Scary for Europeans

A New Variable in Europe’s Electrification Journey

Forecasting European powertrain adoption up to 2035 was already complicated enough. Then, extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) appeared on the horizon, adding another electrified powertrain variable into the mix. Yet, the real story isn’t about production schedules or corporate strategy. It’s about how European new-car buyers, still hesitant to fully commit to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), might see EREVs as a reassuring option on their personal journey to electrification.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have often felt like a compromise rather than a comfort zone to new-car shoppers—so, could EREVs be a more convincing bridge toward a fully BEV future in Europe?

And how might European car buyers react to EREVs as a proposition?

Escalent recently completed our EVForward® Europe DeepDive study that surveyed more than 2,000 new-car buyers in Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) to understand their reactions to and sentiments about EREVs.

Are EREVs a Good Option for European New-Car Buyers?

It depends on who you ask and where they stand on the pathway to BEV adoption.

Consumer awareness of EREVs is currently very low. What further complicates the matter is that new-car shoppers do not fully understand the difference between EREVs and PHEVs or what EREVs have to offer that sets them apart. After measuring unaided consumer awareness, we provided buyers with clear, objective descriptions of both powertrains so they could better appreciate where the similarities end and the differences begin.

• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) are similar to hybrid vehicles, but have a larger battery and electric motor and can be recharged by plugging in or refueled with petrol. Their electric range is limited and they typically have less power/acceleration when running on electricity alone.
• Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREV) are electric vehicles that have a small onboard gas generator. They offer the option to both refuel with petrol and be plugged in to recharge. When charged, they can drive on electric power alone. When the battery runs out, the generator automatically starts to recharge the battery.

Even with definitions, the largest group of European new-car buyers is not sure whether EREVs and PHEVs are different. However, as one in four shoppers does recognize a significant conceptual distance between EREVs and PHEVs, there is already potential for EREVs to become a distinct powertrain option that could disrupt and reshape purchase consideration in Europe’s EV market.

EREVs Versus PHEVs in Car Buyer Consideration

When asked a broader question about the selection of powertrains they’re considering for their next new vehicle, the largest share of European car buyers selected PHEVs. Many shoppers are still not ready to switch to a BEV.

However, would PHEVs still command the highest share of buyer consideration if EREVs were an option?

The short answer is no. According to our findings, EREVs could seriously shift purchase intent among shoppers expressing interest in purchasing a PHEV.

Additionally, the appeal of EREVs could extend beyond those already aligned with the “dual drive” option. Among car shoppers who are the most negative toward BEVs, some recognize EREVs as a compelling transitional option, providing stronger grounds for EREV adoption optimism.

EREVs: A Psychological Safety Net for Hesitant Buyers

While EREVs won’t be a “powertrain panacea” to those resistant to change and won’t erase every shopper hesitation, this powertrain can provide shoppers with a psychological safety net—removing the biggest barrier to going fully electric: the fear of being stranded without charge.

The consumer groups who are most pro-BEVs have a different perspective. While these shoppers are among the most dismissive of EREVs, even they acknowledge EREVs could be a useful transition point toward eventual full BEV adoption.

It’s clear from our findings that EREVs capture the attention of many European car buyers. The powertrain is generally seen as innovative and deserving of a pricing premium relative to BEVs.

However, EREVs need to deliver functional integrity to entice shoppers enough to consider purchasing the powertrain. Some of these functional motivators, which we uncovered in our study, include the ideal total journey range an EREV would need to deliver to become an attractive option as well as a sense of the extent to which shoppers would prefer the range be dependent on battery power rather than from the generator.

A Consumer Trust-Building Technology on the Road to Full BEV Adoption

For many years, BEV adoption has been more akin to a standoff rather than a step-in. Our EVForward Europe DeepDive EREV study indicates EREVs could represent a credible and compelling next step toward full BEV adoption in Europe.

The lack of consumer clarity around EREVs isn’t just a barrier—it’s a blank canvas and the opportunity for automakers is clear. EREVs aren’t just another powertrain choice; they’re a way to expand the funnel of future BEV buyers.

Brands that step in early to define what EREVs are (and why they’re different from PHEVs) can claim ownership of the narrative. By treating EREVs as a trust-building technology rather than a stopgap, brands can accelerate the very electrification journey Europe is struggling to advance.

If you’re interested in learning more about our EVForward Europe EREV DeepDive report, send us a note by completing the form below.

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About EVForward® Europe

The EVForward Europe study referenced within this release was conducted across five European countries: Germany (n=615), France (n=424), the United Kingdom (n=422), Italy (n=401) and Spain (n=372). It included a survey that was fielded between February 2025 and March 2025. The respondents were aged 18 to 80 with a primary vehicle model 2019 or newer and planning to purchase a new vehicle within the next five years. Data were weighted by age and gender to match the demographics of the new-vehicle buyer population as well as by vehicle segment and battery electric powertrain vehicles to match current vehicle sales. The sample for this research comes from an opt-in, online panel. As such, any reported margins of error or significance tests are estimated and rely on the same statistical assumptions as data collected from a random probability sample. Escalent will supply the exact wording of any survey question upon request.