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.

heavy-duty EVs

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