Range Extenders for real-world electric driving
Electric performance. Extended freedom.
See the power behind the drive.
One Partner. Endless Possibilities.
Magna's solutions for Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs) offer OEMs innovative, scalable hybrid drivetrains for the global market. Central to these are the products Dedicated Hybrid Drive REX (DHD REX) and Dedicted Hybrid Drive Duo (DHD Duo), both specifically designed to address the diverse regulatory requirements, infrastructure conditions, and user needs in China, Europe, and North America.
Their modular architecture enables electric driving with extended range, high flexibility, and easy integration into existing vehicle platforms. The technology relies on proven components, covers vehicle segments from B to E as well as SUVs and light commercial vehicles, and supports both pure electric and hybrid driving.
What Range Extenders deliver in real-world use
- BEV-like driving experience with extended electric range
- Reduced dependency on charging infrastructure
- Clear differentiation from traditional hybrid architectures
- Adaptable to regulatory and market requirements for all regions
- Scalable solutions for OEMs across segments and drivetrain layouts
„By mastering the integration of one or two electric motors with flexible operating modes, Magna delivers efficient electric driving and cost-effective range extension – from pure serial to parallel hybrid architectures. Our solutions are flexible for market and regulatory use, offering OEMs the foundation to position themselves as pioneers in electrification.“
Deputy General Manager Engineering
Magna Powertrain - Nanchang, China
Range Extenders - market momentum at a glance
Significant market increase by 2030
Forecast shows a significant increase in Range Extender market share since 2023, with strongest growth in China and North America.*
*Source: I.H.S Data
Bridge between ICE and BEV
Range Extenders are seen as the best fit between combustion engines and pure BEVs, combining BEV-like drivability with extended electric range.
Reduced infrastructure dependency
By enabling longer electric driving without constantly recharging, Range Extenders reduce reliance on charging infrastructure and increase everyday usability.
Magna's Range Extender Solutions
Modular architectures for global markets
DHD REX and DHD Duo solutions give OEMs maximum flexibility: electric performance at BEV level, cost-optimized range extension, easy integration, highest scalability from B to E segments, reduced complexity, and proven reliability. The products support both current and future regulatory requirements worldwide and accelerate transformation to fully electric drive concepts.
DHD Duo Transverse
DHD Duo inline + optional P4 eDrive
DHD REX
Primary eDrive (eDS Mid)
DHD REX
Single e-motor solution for cost-efficient AWD and REEV compliance
DHD REX combines range extension and electric drive in a single e-motor hybrid drive, optimized for BEV-based serial REEV applications where efficiency, compact packaging and cost effectiveness are key. Designed to comply with China’s strict REEV definition, it prohibits any mechanical connection between the combustion engine and the wheels. Serial operation is enabled by switching between eDrive and generating modes.
- Designed for B to E segments as a secondary AWD drive
- Electric AWD on demand with compact, cost-efficient packaging
- Reduced system cost and weight through single e-motor design
- Fully compliant with Chinese REEV regulations
- Optional 1-speed parallel mode for efficient highway driving addressing Western market requirements
DHD Duo
Dual e-motor hybrid solution for high utility and permanent drive capability
DHD Duo follows a dual e-motor approach, separating driving and energy generation to enable higher scalability across vehicle concepts. Its architecture allows for electric and hybrid driving. It supports serial and serial-parallel operation as well as AWD and 2WD applications. Already in series production, the system is designed for demanding use cases such as towing or long-distance driving.
- Two dedicated e-motors for propulsion and generation
- Supports serial, serial-parallel and eDrive operation
- One to four gears for enhanced efficiency and towing performance
- Suitable for B to E segments, SUVs, light trucks and LCVs
- Strong fit for FWD, AWD and towing-focused vehicles
One portfolio. Different regional needs.
In China, Range Extender adoption is driven by extending range and specific regulatory requirements. In North America, it is shaped by practical needs such as long-distance travel, towing capability, and limited charging infrastructure. In Europe, in addition, the lack of home charging access in urban housing areas also favors Range Extenders and increases acceptance of electric driving.
These differences require adaptable technical solutions, addressed by Magna with DHD REX and DHD Duo, delivering serial and optional parallel REEV concepts with BEV-level efficiency and performance.
China
DHD REX
For pure serial REEVs derived from BEV platforms.
DHD Duo
For scalable serial or serial-parallel applications, including FWD and
AWD.
Europe
DHD REX + DHD Duo
Growing interest in both systems as BEV variants with range extenders.
High flexibility to adapt to evolving post‑2035 regulatory scenarios.
North America
DHD Duo
Strong fit for FWD as well as permanent AWD and towing-focused vehicles.
DHD REX
Cost-efficient alternative where permanent AWD is not required.
Technical Paper Range Extender
Scalable solutions for global requirements
Get a deeper look at Magna’s Range Extender architectures, focusing on DHD REX and DHD Duo. Our Technical Paper explains system architecture, operating modes and application scenarios, showing how our single and dual e-motor solutions enable BEV-like driving efficiency with scalable range extension for global markets.
One electric logic. Four real advantages.
True BEV first
Developed from electric platforms with a dedicated electric architecture, not adapted from ICE-based hybrid systems.
Single e-motor eAWD
Electric all wheel drive and range extension enabled by one e-motor, reducing system complexity, cost, and weight.
One system global fit
One modular architecture covering China compliant serial REEVs and Western market requirements in Europe and North America.
Versatility meets Efficiency
The dual motor concept delivers uncompromising electric and hybrid efficiency while providing BEV-like driving experience and comfort.
FAQs
Range Extender FAQs
Why are Range Extended Electric Vehicles so relevant right now?
Global electrification is progressing at different speeds. Charging infrastructure, usage profiles and regulatory frameworks vary significantly across regions. REEVs enable BEV-like driving while extending range and reducing dependence on charging infrastructure, allowing OEMs to maintain flexibility and market readiness. Magna addresses this reality with BEV-first architectures instead of adapting legacy hybrid systems.
What are the different operating modes of Magna's Range Extender solutions?
Magna Powertrain applies a Dedicated Hybrid Drive logic derived from BEV-based electric vehicle architectures. In serial REEV operation, the combustion engine is mechanically decoupled from the wheels and used solely to generate electrical energy, preserving a BEV-like driving experience.
Unlike conventional parallel hybrid systems that may couple the engine to the wheels in certain conditions, Magna’s hybrid transmission solutions prioritize electric driving. Depending on configuration, serial or serial-parallel hybrid operation can be implemented while maintaining high electric driving efficiency and performance within the EtelligentHybrid portfolio.
How does Magna reduce system complexity and cost?
With DHD REX, Magna enables electric AWD and range extension using a single e-motor. This reduces weight, packaging space and system cost compared to multi motor or mechanically complex solutions while maintaining performance and comfort. Cost is further managed by leveraging core building blocks used across all of Magna’s hybrid and traditional transmissions.
Why is Magna ideally positioned for global OEM strategies?
Magna offers one scalable Range Extender architecture that meets Chinese serial REEV requirements and Western market needs in Europe and North America. OEMs can cover multiple markets, segments and drivetrain layouts with one technical backbone instead of region-specific solutions.
