Menu
Featuring the company’s proven e-City range extender technology, it removes range anxiety completely, boasting more than 80 miles of electric range and a total range of 377 miles. Oct 03, 2014 I took a look at the BMW i3 and its range extender looked interesting. In particular, the weight of the range extender was roughly the same as a comparable set of batteries (150kg for 25kWh), but it was less expensive ($3000 vs. To make matters worse you can increase the capacity of a range extender simply by increasing the size of the gas tank.
Reach Those Wi-Fi Dead Zones
If you're trying to catch an episode of Stanger Things while taking in some rays but can't get an adequate poolside Wi-Fi signal, don't be so quick to run out and buy a new router. Chances are, a range extender will get the job done. Aptly named, range extenders pick up your router's Wi-Fi signal, amplify it, and rebroadcast the boosted signal. They are fairly easy to install and come in various shapes, sizes, and speeds, but they have their limitations; they are typically half as fast as your primary router, and they create a separate extended network that makes seamless roaming difficult.
Depending on the size and layout of your home, a mid-to-high-end router may provide all the Wi-Fi coverage you'll need, but for homes built with dense materials like brick, concrete, plaster, and metal, some level of signal degradation is almost a certainty. Likewise, homes with multiple floors and many walls are more susceptible to signal loss than a one-story home with an open floor plan. In some cases you can relocate your router to a central location to deliver a stronger signal to those areas that were previously out of reach (dead zones). In most homes, however, the router's location is tied to the room where the internet enters the house, which means relocating the router will likely require running Ethernet cable to the desired area. Range extenders provide a relatively easy way to deliver Wi-Fi without having to run cables.
Finding the Right Extender for Your Router
When choosing a range extender it's important to choose one that matches your router's specs. For example, if you have a dual-band AC1900 router, get a dual-band AC1900 extender (or better). If your router supports Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) data streaming, which provides enhanced performance by sending data to compatible clients simultaneously rather than sequentially, look for an extender that supports this technology if you want to extend your MU-MIMO network.
Desktop or Plug-In?
There are two types of range extenders; desktop and plug-in. Most desktop extenders look just like a typical wireless router and are typically equipped with external adjustable antennas, multiple LAN ports for connecting to devices like TVs and gaming consoles, and USB ports for attaching to peripherals such as storage drives and printers. Plug-in extenders are much smaller than their desktop counterparts and are inserted right into a wall outlet. Some models have external antennas, while others use internal antennas to present an unobtrusive profile. Due to their size, plug-in extenders usually only have a single LAN port and lack USB connectivity, making them less versatile but more affordable than desktop extenders. If you can't afford to sacrifice a wall outlet, look for a plug-in model that offers a pass-through outlet.
Simple Setup
Not very long ago, setting up a range extender required a bit of technical expertise and a good deal of patience to find the best location (ideally halfway between the router and the dead zone). But most of today's routers and range extenders support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which makes pairing the two as simple as pressing a couple of buttons, naming your new extended network, and creating a network password. Moreover, nearly all manufacturers offer web-based setup wizards and illustrated instructions that will help you configure basic wireless settings. Some (but not all) extenders are equipped with LED status indicators that tell you if the extender is too far from the router. Extenders can also offer advanced router-like features such as guest networking, access scheduling, and media server capabilities.
Know the Limitations of Extenders
While fairly easy to configure, range extenders have their limitations. They use a separate network SSID that you have to log into as you move through the house, and Wi-Fi speeds are typically half of what you get from your main router. Most dual-band extenders use both radio bands to transmit data to and from the router, which means devices connecting to the extender are competing for bandwidth with the router. To help alleviate network congestion, some manufacturers let you dedicate a band for router-to-extender communications. Netgear's Fastlane technology and Amped Wireless's BoostBand technology are good examples.
When to Go With a Mesh-Based Wi-Fi System
If you're considering upgrading your network with all new hardware, it's worth looking into a mesh-based Wi-Fi system before you spend money on a traditional router. Wi-Fi systems are designed to blanket your home with wireless coverage and are made up of several networking components, including a main router and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, that you place throughout your home. They are all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password, which means you can roam throughout your house without having to log into an extended network. Whereas range extenders communicate with the router via the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio bands, most Wi-Fi system satellites use mesh technology to talk to the router, and to each other. Each node serves as a hop point for other nodes in the system, which helps the nodes farthest from the router to deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal as they talk to other nodes and don't rely on one-to-one communications with the router.
Wi-Fi systems are ideal for users with little or no technical knowledge. They can be installed in minutes and typically come with a user-friendly mobile app that walks you through the installation process with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. With prices ranging from around $130 for a single-node system to as high as $500 for a three-piece system, Wi-Fi systems don't come cheap and aren't very cost effective if you're just looking to fill in a dead zone. In comparison, plug-in range extenders range in price from around $70 up to around $100, and desktop range extenders go for around $70 up to $170 or so, depending on features.
For more on optimizing your home's Wi-Fi network, check out our guide to setting up your Wi-Fi router, and 12 ways to protect your Wi-Fi network.
![Nissan Nissan](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125562109/788239223.jpg)
Best Wi-Fi Extenders Featured in This Roundup:
Amped Wireless Athena-EX High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE2600M) Review
MSRP: $199.99Pros: Fast throughput in testing. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) enabled. Lots of ports and settings. Easy to install.Cons: Expensive. MU-MIMO throughput is middling.Bottom Line: It may be pricey, but the Amped Wireless Athena-EX RE2600M range extender is packed with features, supports MU-MIMO data streaming, and delivers very good throughput.Read ReviewNetgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300) Review
MSRP: $149.99Pros: Solid throughput in testing. Supports Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) streaming. Easy to install.Cons: Bulky. No pass-through outlet.Bottom Line: The Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2200 WiFi Range Extender (EX7300) installs in minutes, is one of the fastest plug-in range extenders we've tested, and supports MU-MIMO data streaming.Read ReviewTP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE450) Review
MSRP: $119.99Pros: Easy setup. Very good throughput and range performance in testing.Cons: Bulky. No pass-through outlet.Bottom Line: The TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE450) delivers some of the fastest throughput scores we've seen, and it's a snap to install.Read ReviewAmped Wireless High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender With MU-MIMO (REC44M) Review
MSRP: $149.99Pros: Solid throughout performance in testing. Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) capable. Easy to install. Lots of settings.Cons: Bulky. No pass-through outlet. Unsightly external antennas.Bottom Line: The Amped Wireless REC44M brings dual-band Wi-Fi and MU-MIMO streaming to areas of your home that your router can't reach. It's not the prettiest range extender out there, but it's a solid performer.Read ReviewD-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1650 Review
MSRP: $89.99Pros: Reasonably priced. Strong 5GHz performance. Four Gigabit LAN ports. Many configuration options.Cons: Middling 2.4GHz range. USB port is only 2.0.Bottom Line: The D-Link AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Range Extender DAP-1650 is an affordable four-port range extender that also works as a media server and an access point and offers solid 5GHz performance.Read ReviewAmped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A) Review
MSRP: $169.99Pros: Easy to install. Generous port selection. Lots of management options. Good 2.4GHz throughput performance.Cons: Expensive. Middling 5GHz throughput in our tests.Bottom Line: The Amped Wireless AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE1750A) is a pricey dual-band range model that has lots of I/O ports and management options, and delivers solid 2.4GHz throughput.Read ReviewLinksys RE6700 AC1200 Amplify Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender Review
MSRP: $119.99Pros: Simple installation. Pass-through outlet. Good 2.4GHz performance.Cons: Bulky. Light on features. Middling 5GHz range performance.Bottom Line: The Linksys RE6700 AC1200 Amplify Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender is a plug-in device that offers relatively good throughput, but comes up short in terms of features and 5GHz range performance in testing.Read ReviewLinksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender Review
MSRP: $129.99Pros: Supports Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) streaming. Easy to install. Solid close-proximity throughput performance.Cons: Lacks pass-through outlet. Bulky. Middling range performance.Bottom Line: The Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender is easy to install and supports MU-MIMO streaming. While its range performance is middling, it works well in close proximity.Read ReviewTP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE580D) Review
MSRP: $129.99Pros: Good throughput performance in testing. Multiple wired ports. Easy to install and configure.Cons: Pricey. Lacks USB connectivity. No parental controls.Bottom Line: The TP-Link AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE580D) brings solid Wi-Fi and wired connectivity to areas of your home that your router can't reach.Read Review
Electric car with an external range-extender or genset trailer.
A range extender vehicle is a battery electric vehicle that includes an auxiliary power unit (APU) known as a 'range extender'. The range extender drives an electric generator which charges a battery which supplies the vehicle's electric motor with electricity. This arrangement is known as a series hybrid drivetrain. The most commonly used range extenders are internal combustion engines, but fuel-cells or other engine types can be used.[1]
Range extender vehicles are also referred to as extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), and range-extended battery-electric vehicle (BEVx) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).[2]
The key function of the range extender is to increase the vehicle's range. Range autonomy is one of the main barriers for the commercial success of electric vehicles, and extending the vehicle's range when the battery is depleted helps alleviate range anxiety.[3]
A range extending vehicle design can also reduce the consumption of the range extending fuel (such as gasoline) by using the primary fuel (such as battery power), while still maintaining the driving range of a single fuel vehicle powered by a range extending fuel such as gasoline. The range extending fuel is generally considered to be less environmentally and economically friendly to use than the primary fuel source, so the vehicle control system gives preference to using the primary fuel if it's available. However, due to range limitations with the primary fuel source, the range extending fuel allows the vehicle to get many of the cost and environmental benefits of the primary fuel, while maintaining the full driving range of the range extending fuel source. [4] For example, in the Chevy Volt, battery power from the electric grid can be cheaper and more environmentally sustainable than burning gasoline (depending on the electric generation source), but due to the trade offs between the range of a pure electric vehicle and its battery size, adding the range extending gasoline is considered by many to be good compromise to give the Chevy Volt a significantly greater driving range. How many benefits are derived from using the primary fuel however depend on how the vehicles are driven. [5] For example, a first generation Chevy Volt will operate 100% on battery power from the electric grid for the first 60 km (37 miles), while the second generation Volt will operate on 100% battery power for the first 85 km (53 miles) when fully recharged between trips. However, if the same Chevy Volt is driven for hundreds of miles a day it will require significant gasoline as the battery will be quickly depleted. Using the gasoline engine to generate power for the motors, the economy ratings are 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg‑US) and 5.6 L/100 km (42 mpg‑US) for the different generation models. Therefore, it is critical to understand the driving patterns of the average commuter to fully understand the impact these range extending vehicles will have in the real world.
Many range extender vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt and the BMW i3, are able to charge their batteries from the grid as well as from the range extender, and therefore are a type of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).[6][7]
When a range extender uses conventional fuels they can re-fuel at regular fuel stations, which provides them with a similar driving range to conventional automobiles.[8][9][10]
As an REEV is only propelled by the electric motor it can do away with the weight and cost associated with the gearbox transmission system typically used in internal combustion engine cars. Further, as the range extender does not need to increase or decrease output in line with the power needs of the vehicle (this task is handled by the electric motor) the range extender can be sized to satisfy the vehicle's average power requirement rather than its peak power requirement (such as when accelerating). The range extender can also operate much closer to its most efficient rotational speed. These design features allow an REEV to convert fossil fuel energy to electric power and vehicle motion very efficiently.
- 3Applications
- 3.1Automotive
Generations[edit]
- The first generation range extenders are off the shelf internal combustion engines.
- The second generation consists of piston engines with new designs from scratch for fairly constant load in series hybrids. They include the wankel engines, rotary combustion engines and free piston engines.
- The third generation are micro turbines and fuel cells that work at constant load.[11]
CARB regulation[edit]
According to 2012 Amendments to the Zero Emission Vehicle Regulations adopted in March 2012 by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a range-extended battery-electric vehicle, designated as BEVx, should comply, among others, with the following criteria:[2]
- The vehicle must have a rated all-electric range of at least 120 km (75 miles). This is higher than the 80 km (50 miles) required of a zero-emission vehicle;
- The auxiliary power unit (APU) must provide range less than or equal to battery range;
- The APU must not be capable of switching on until the battery charge has been depleted;
- The vehicle must meet super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) requirements; and
- The APU and all associated fuel systems must comply with zero evaporative emissions requirements.
Applications[edit]
Range extenders are commonly used in marine (autonomous underwater vehicle), aircraft and Generator/Utility, automotive[12] and hybrid electric vehicle applications.[13]
Automotive[edit]
Chevrolet Volt[edit]
The Chevrolet Volt is a seriesplug-in hybrid referred by General Motors as 'an electric car with extended range.'
General Motors describes the Chevrolet Volt as an electric vehicle equipped with a 16 kWh battery plus a 'range extending' gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) as a genset and therefore dubbed the Volt an 'Extended Range Electric Vehicle' or E-REV.[6][7][14] In a January 2011 interview, the Chevy Volt's Global Chief Engineer, Pamela Fletcher, referred to the Volt as 'an electric car with extended range.'[15] The Volt operates as a purely electric car for the first 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 miles) in charge-depleting mode. When the battery capacity drops below a pre-established threshold from full charge, the vehicle enters charge-sustaining mode, and the Volt's control system will select the most optimally efficient drive mode to improve performance and boost high-speed efficiency.[6][16][17]
According to General Motors' real time tally of miles driven by Volt owners in North America, by mid June 2014 they had accumulated more than 800 million all-electric km (500 million miles). GM also reported that Volt owners driving is more than 63% in all-electric mode. Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 1,560 km (970 miles) between fill-ups and visit the gasoline station less than once a month.[18] A similar report, issued by GM in August 2016, reported that Volt owners have accumulated almost 2.4 billion km (1.5 billion miles) driven in EV mode, representing 60% of their total miles traveled.[19]
BMW i3[edit]
An optional range-extender is available for the BMW i3, which allows the car to qualify as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle (BEVx) according to the California Air Resources Board regulations.
The BMW i3 all-electric car with at least 22 kWh battery capacity offers an optional gasoline-powered range extender APU.[20] The range extender is the same 647 cc two-cylinder gasoline engine used in the BMW C650 GT scooter with a 9 L (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal) fuel tank. The US model offers a smaller 7 L tank. The range extender engages when the battery level drops to 6%. It generates electricity to extend the range from 130–160 km (80–100 mi) to 240–300 km (150–190 mi)[21][22] Performance in range-extending mode may be more limited than when it is running on battery power, as BMW designed the range extender as a backup to enable reaching a recharging location.[23]
According to BMW, at the beginning of the i3 release, the use of range-extender was much more than the carmaker expected, more than 60%. Over time it has decreased significantly, with some people almost never using it, and by 2016 it is being regularly used in fewer than 5% of i3s.[24]
The range-extender option costs an additional US$3,850 in the United States,[25] an additional €4,710 (~ US$6,300) in France,[26] and €4,490 (~ US$6,000) in the Netherlands.[27]
The range-extender option of the BMW i3 was designed to meet the CARB regulation for an auxiliary power unit (APU) called REx. According to rules CARB adopted in March 2012, the 2014 BMW i3 with a REx unit fitted will be the first car to qualify as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle or 'BEVx.' CARB describes this type of electric vehicle as 'a relatively high-electric range battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to which an APU is added.' The APU, which maintains battery charge at about 6% after the pack has been depleted in normal use, is strictly limited in the additional range it can provide.[2][28]
Other examples[edit]
The discontinued Fisker Karma was an extended-range electric vehicle.
Other range-extended electric vehicles include the discontinued Cadillac ELR and the discontinued Fisker Karma.[29][30][31] In June 2016, Nissan announced it will introduce a compact range extender car in Japan before March 2017. The series plug-in hybrid will use a new hybrid system, dubbed e-Power, which debuted with the Nissan Gripzconcept crossover showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.[32]
The LEVC TX London taxi was launched in 2017 and features a 33 kWh battery that is charged by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.[33]
This approach has also been used for heavy vehicles, such as Wrightbus'sGemini 2[34] and New Routemaster[35] buses.
Unmanned aerial vehicles[edit]
The 2010 Wolverine 3 program included an ICE range extender for its unmanned aerial vehicle.[36]
Powertrain[edit]
Schematic classification of alternative powertrains
A range-extended electric vehicle uses a series hybrid drivetrain.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Harrop, Peter (2015-03-13). 'Hybrid vehicle range extenders: goodbye pistons'. IDTechEx. Retrieved 2015-05-18.
- ^ abcJohn Voelcker (2013-10-23). '2014 BMW i3 Electric Car: Why California Set Range Requirements, Engine Limits'. Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2014-01-19.
- ^Vortisch, Peter; Chlond, Bastian; Weiß, Christine; Mallig, Nicolai (June 2015). 'Electric Vehicles with Range Extender as a Suitable Technology (EVREST)'. Karlsruher Institut für Technologie. Retrieved 2015-05-18.
- ^Bradley, Thomas; Frank, Andrew. 'Design, demonstrations and sustainability impact assessments for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles'(PDF).
- ^Bradley, Thomas; Quinn, Casey. 'Analysis of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle utility factors'(PDF).
- ^ abcMatthe, Roland; Eberle, Ulrich (2014-01-01). 'The Voltec System - Energy Storage and Electric Propulsion'. Retrieved 2014-05-04.
- ^ ab'Chevrolet Volt Hits Road, Ahead of Schedule'. The New York Times. 2009-06-25. Retrieved 2014-01-19.
- ^Michael Graham Richard (2009-10-14). 'Could Range Anxiety Sabotage the Promise of Electric Cars?'. Discovery's Planet Green. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2010-03-14.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^'Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)'. Center for Energy and the Global Environment, Virginia Tech. Archived from the original on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2010-12-29.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^'What Is A Plug-in Hybrid Car?'. HybridCars.com. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
- ^Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Land, Water & Air 2012-2022
- ^Electric vehicle and range extender
- ^The ideal range extender
- ^Jonathan Oosting (2010-10-12). 'Is the Chevrolet Volt a true electric car? General Motors defends EV label'. MLive.com. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^Kuchment, Anna (January 2011). 'Practically Green: A Q&A with the Chevy Volt's Chief Engineer'. Scientific American. 304 (1). Nature America. p. 25. ISSN0036-8733. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
- ^Norman Mayersohn (2010-10-15). 'Sorting Myth From Fact as Volt Makes Its Debut'. New York Times. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
- ^Frank Markus (2010-10-10). 'Unbolting the Chevy Volt to See How it Ticks'. Motor Trend. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
- ^'Chevrolet Volt Owners Surpass Half a Billion Electric Miles' (Press release). US: General Motors. 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-07-02.
- ^Cobb, Jeff (2016-08-01). '100,000th Chevy Volt Sold in US'. HybridCars.com. Retrieved 2016-08-09.
- ^Viknesh Vijayenthiran (2010-07-20). 'First Major Outing For BMW Megacity Vehicle At 2012 London Olympic Games'. Motor Authority. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^Jay Cole (2013-07-29). 'BMW i3 Range Extender To Offer Up to 87 More Miles, Decreases Performance'. InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
- ^Greg Kable (2013-02-24). 'First rides in BMW i8 hybrid sportscar and all-electric i3'. Autocar. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- ^John Voelcker (2013-03-12). 'BMW i3 Electric Car: ReX Range Extender Not For Daily Use?'. Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2013-03-12.
- ^Duff, Mike (2016-03-08). 'BMW i Chief: Larger i Models Will Offer Optional Range-Extender'. Car and Driver. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ^Benjamin Preston (2013-07-29). 'BMW Unveils i3 Electric Car'. The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
- ^Michaël Torregrossa (2013-07-30). 'Voiture électrique - La BMW i3 officiellement révélée' [Electric car - the BMW i3 officially revealed] (in French). Association pour l'Avenir du Véhicule Electrique Méditerranéen (AVEM). Retrieved 2013-07-31.
- ^Eric Loveday (2013-07-22). 'Official: BMW i3 Range Extender Option Adds 4,490 Euros ($5,919 US) to Price Tag in Netherlands'. InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
- ^Tom Moloughney (2014-10-24). 'The i3 REx: One Owners Thoughts on the BEVx Restrictions'. BMWBlog. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
- ^Eric Loveday (2013-02-06). 'Frost & Sullivan Predicts Boom in Extended-Range Electric Vehicles'. PluginCars.com. Retrieved 2013-08-11.
- ^Sam Abuelsamid (2009-04-02). 'What is a series hybrid/extended range electric vehicle?'. Autoblog Green. Retrieved 2013-08-11.
- ^John Voelcker (2012-03-13). '2012 Fisker Karma -Review'. Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2013-08-11.
- ^Greimel, Hans (2016-06-25). 'Nissan's to-do list: Range, autonomy'. Automotive News. Retrieved 2016-06-27.
- ^Moldrich, Curtis (4 April 2018). 'LEVC TX review: London's new electric taxi driven'. Car Magazine. UK. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
- ^Navarro, Xavier (2009-05-14). 'A hybrid bus that cuts fuel consumption in half'. Autoblog. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
- ^'New Routemaster technical specifications'(PDF). Wrights Group. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
- ^Brooke, Lindsay (2010-06-21). 'Secrets of Ricardo's new UAV engine may spawn range-extender for EVs'. Society of Automotive Engineers International. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Range_extender_(vehicle)&oldid=912129364'