Question 1

What is MAHLE's electric truck range extender?

Accepted Answer

A self-contained generator unit — high-voltage generator plus compact combustion engine — that extends a battery-electric truck's range.

Question 2

How does MAHLE's range extender work?

Accepted Answer

The battery powers the truck normally. When more range is needed, the engine drives a generator feeding the drivetrain; it never turns the wheels.

Question 3

Is the MAHLE range extender a hybrid truck?

Accepted Answer

Not conventionally — the engine only generates electricity, so the truck stays electrically driven throughout.

Question 4

How much range does MAHLE's range extender add?

Accepted Answer

About 400 km, on top of roughly 400 km from the battery.

Question 5

Can a MAHLE range extender truck travel more than 800 km?

Accepted Answer

MAHLE says the combined configuration can exceed 800 km; real-world results will vary.

Question 6

How much weight can the MAHLE system save?

Accepted Answer

MAHLE cites a ~400 kg rear axle load reduction and ~600 kg total weight reduction.

Question 7

Does the range extender eliminate the need for charging?

Accepted Answer

No — it reduces dependence on charging infrastructure but doesn't remove the need for it.

Question 8

Does MAHLE's range extender reduce CO2 emissions?

Accepted Answer

MAHLE says about 80 percent less CO2 than a conventional drive, under real-life conditions.

Question 9

Can the MAHLE range extender run on HVO100?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Running the biofuel-ready engine on HVO100 can bring emissions close to zero, per MAHLE.

Question 10

Is MAHLE's range extender already available in production trucks?

Accepted Answer

No. It's a world premiere at IAA 2026; no launch date or OEM partner announced.

Question 11

What is MAHLE's MCT electric motor?

Accepted Answer

A separate world premiere — a rare-earth-free motor for heavy-truck drive axles, unrelated to the range extender.

Question 12

When will MAHLE show the range extender publicly?

Accepted Answer

At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, September 15–20.

commercial EVs

MAHLE’s New Range Extender Aims to Push Electric Trucks Past 800 km