Volkswagen Expands Its Powertrain Strategy With the ID. ERA 9X Range-Extender SUV

Electrification within the Volkswagen Group is clearly not delivering the level of success the automaker initially expected. As a result, Volkswagen is preparing a new approach with a range extender system onboard the ID. ERA 9X. The main issue is that Volkswagen plans to offer this solution in China, where electric vehicles are already selling very well, rather than in North America, where demand has slowed considerably.

• The range extender uses an internal combustion engine to recharge the battery
• The range extender is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with combined output reaching up to 510 horsepower
• Battery options include 51.1 kWh and 65.2 kWh packs

Volkswagen is following the path many automakers are now taking by further expanding their powertrain options. In this case, the latest addition is a range extender system. The concept behind this technology is fairly simple. It is essentially an electric vehicle with a slightly smaller battery, paired with an internal combustion engine whose sole purpose is to recharge the battery. This approach allows for significantly greater driving range without having to stop as often to recharge.

A bridge between two technologies

For many, this solution represents a more relevant and acceptable bridge between plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Volkswagen and its partner SAIC are therefore moving forward with this strategy through a new product aimed at the Chinese market: the ID. ERA 9X. This large, luxury-oriented three-row SUV will offer an appealing alternative for buyers seeking both performance and extended driving range.

A relevant powertrain

Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that functions exclusively as a range extender to recharge the battery. On its own, it produces 141 horsepower. However, it is the electric motors that deliver the real performance of the ERA. For China, two mechanical configurations are planned. The first features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 295 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive version adds a second motor, boosting total output to 510 horsepower.

Depending on the version, buyers will also have a choice of battery size. The standard battery is rated at 51.1 kWh, while higher-end models can be equipped with a 65.2 kWh pack. With the larger battery, Volkswagen estimates a fully electric driving range of up to 400 kilometres based on the Chinese CLTC cycle. Using North American testing standards, that figure would be closer to 281 kilometres.

What about us?

Given Volkswagen’s significant electrification challenges in the North American market, the automaker should seriously consider offering this type of powertrain here. Production of the ERA 9x has already been confirmed. It would make sense for Volkswagen to consider importing it to replace the aging Atlas.