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My buddy asked me to ride along on a test drive of a new plug-in hybrid crossover. And I wasn’t digging it. I finally said, “Honestly, this car is BS.”

My friend stared at me, “But this is a plug-in hybrid!”

I explained, “Not all plug-in hybrids are equal. Listen to the shift points, that engine is so underpowered and the electric motor isn’t doing much good above 25 mph. If you floor it, it has to turn on the gas engine–even with a fully charged battery. This shouldn’t really be called a PHEV.”

“So what’s the best kind of PHEV?”

I present to you: the range-extended EV. This configuration has been marketed as a PHEV, but it’s a full battery EV powered by electric drive units. The range extender is a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. When it fires up it charges the battery, but doesn’t directly spin the wheels.

Why would you ever build a car this way? Because you get all the torque and simplicity of an EV. But if you can’t find a charger, you can pull up to a gas pump, fill up your tank, and recharge your own battery on the go. And even running on the gas, you can expect 40+ mpg with a range-extended EV.

Multiple automakers know that the range-extended EV may be the bridge technology between ICE vehicles and EVs. There are several new ones in the works. But savvy used car buyers know that there are actually two range-extended EVs that have been on the market for years: the Chevrolet Volt and BMW i3.

White BMW crossover EV parked on a steep street, houses visible in the background.
BMW i3 | Issaurinko via iStockPhoto

These two used cars are relatively similar by the numbers. The average price of a five-year-old model is $21k. There are about the same number for sale at any given time. But that’s where the similarities top.

In 2013, BMW gave the i3 a battery upgrade for an electric-only range of 160 miles (in certain configurations). The Chevrolet Volt, however, only offers 53 miles before its little battery is tapped out. That may be why the 2019 Chevy Volt originally started at $33,520 while the same year BMW i3 went for at least $48,300.

Why isn’t the Chevy Volt depreciating as quickly? Well the iSeeCars website predicts the Chevrolet will only have 2.2 recalls over a 30-year lifespan, while the i3 should, statistically, see 4.3. And the Volt has enough range for most commuters. So though the BMW offers more range, the Chevy may be the better investment.

Silver Chevrolet Volt electric hybrid sedan driving on a highway.
Chevrolet Volt | supergenijalac via iStockPhoto

There are some other big differences. The Volt only comes in a more traditional lift-back sedan configuration for improved aerodynamics. The i3, however, is a compact but tall crossover with futuristic proportions. The Volt only has FWD while the i3 offers either AWD or RWD for longer range. In the end, the range-extended EV for you may be a matter of taste.

Interested in this superior PHEV configuration? Check out MotorBiscuit’s seamless car buying tool to see the current prices of BMW i3s near you or Chevrolet Volts near you.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.