REEVs: 5 Reasons They’re the Unstoppable Future of Driving

By Josiah KaufmanBuying Guides Electric Vehicles Ram Vehicle GuidesOct 21, 2025

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What if there was a technology that gave you all the amazing benefits of an EV for your daily drive, with the long-haul freedom of a gas-powered car? That’s the promise of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles, or REEVs. Here at the H+H family of dealerships, including H+H Chevy, H+H Kia, and H+H Jeep Dodge Ram, we’re seeing a huge wave of interest in this game-changing technology.

REEVs in Omaha are not just a far-off dream; they are the next logical step in our automotive journey. This technology offers a practical, powerful, and exciting solution that perfectly fits the lifestyle of drivers in our community. Let’s explore why range-extended electric vehicles might just be the unstoppable future of driving.

In This Post

What Exactly is a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)?

Think of an REEV as an electric car with its own portable power generator. You plug it in at night and use clean, quiet, and affordable electricity for your daily commute to work, trips to the grocery store, or taking the kids to soccer practice. For all your day-to-day driving, it’s a pure electric vehicle.

However, unlike a traditional EV, a range-extended electric vehicles has a small gasoline engine on board. The crucial difference between an REEV and a standard hybrid is that this gas engine never directly powers the wheels.

Its only job is to act as a generator, creating electricity to recharge the battery when it gets low. This means you always get that smooth, instant torque and quiet operation of an electric motor, with the peace of mind that you can pull into any gas station on a long trip to keep going.

1. Say Goodbye to Range Anxiety for Good

The number one hurdle for many Omaha drivers considering an EV is range anxiety. The thought of being stranded between Lincoln and Kearney with a dead battery is enough to make anyone hesitate. An REEV completely eliminates this fear.

You can handle your daily Omaha commute entirely on electric power. But when you want to visit family in Grand Island, tailgate at a Husker game, or take a road trip to the Ozarks, the gasoline range extender kicks in, offering a total range that rivals—and often exceeds—traditional gas-powered vehicles.

2. The Perfect Powertrain for Nebraska Winters

We all know how a Nebraska winter can sap the life out of any battery, whether it’s in your phone or your car. While EV battery technology has improved, cold weather can still reduce range.

An REEV provides a significant advantage here. The gas generator is unaffected by the cold, providing a reliable source of power to keep you moving, no matter how low the temperature drops. Plus, the heat generated by the engine can be used to help warm the cabin, preserving even more of your battery’s energy for driving.

3. The Best of Both Worlds: Electric Efficiency and Gas Convenience

With an REEV, you get to enjoy the primary benefits of EV ownership for the vast majority of your driving. You’ll charge at home, paying significantly less than you would at the pump, and enjoy a quiet, emissions-free ride around town.

In fact, many range-extended electric vehicle owners find they only need to visit a gas station a few times a year. Yet, the convenience of America’s vast gas station infrastructure is always there as a backup. There’s no need for meticulous trip planning around charging stations. Just drive.

4. Performance Without Compromise

Because an REEV always uses its electric motors to drive the wheels, you get the exhilarating performance that makes EVs so fun to drive: instant torque and seamless, powerful acceleration. And the newest generation of range-extended electric vehicles is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Take the upcoming 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a vehicle that will soon be arriving at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram. The new REEV version of this iconic SUV is set to be the most powerful Grand Wagoneer ever. It combines a large 92-kWh battery with a V6 generator to produce a staggering 647 horsepower, launching the full-size luxury SUV from 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 5.0 seconds. This is performance that will leave you speechless, all while offering a total estimated range of over 500 miles.

You can learn more about this incredible vehicle here.

5. Unstoppable Capability for Work and Recreation

For many in Omaha, a vehicle needs to be a workhorse. The new generation of REEVs is being built into the most capable platforms on the market. The sister vehicle to the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the all-new Ram 1500 REV, which will be the world’s first range-extended full-size electric pickup truck.

Built on the rugged STLA Frame platform, it targets a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds and a mind-blowing total range of 690 miles. This is the kind of capability that Omaha truck owners demand, delivered in a revolutionary new package.

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Learn more about the 2026 Ram 1500 REV.

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Frequently Asked Questions about REEVs

1. What is a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)?

A REEV, or range-extended electric vehicle, is an electric vehicle that has a small onboard gasoline engine that works exclusively as a generator to recharge the battery. The engine never powers the wheels directly, so you always get a pure EV driving experience.

2. How is an REEV different from a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)?

The main difference is how the gas engine is used. In a REEV, the engine only generates electricity. In most PHEVs, the gas engine can, and often does, directly power the wheels, especially at higher speeds. REEVs also typically have a much larger battery, allowing for more all-electric driving.

3. Are REEVs good for cold climates like Omaha?

Yes, they are an excellent choice for cold weather. The gasoline generator is not impacted by cold temperatures, providing a reliable power source. The excess heat it produces can also help warm the cabin efficiently without draining the main battery.

4. Where can I learn more about REEVs in Omaha?

For the latest information on upcoming models like the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Ram 1500 REV, visit us at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram. For information on other hybrid and EV technologies, our experts at H+H Chevy and H+H Kia are always ready to help.

Become an Early Adopter of a Growing Trend

While Jeep and Ram are leading the charge in the full-size truck and SUV segment, they are not alone. This technology is being recognized as a brilliant bridging solution for the transition to full electrification.

Automakers are all developing their own range-extender vehicles. The rapid growth of REEV sales in other parts of the world, like China, shows a strong consumer demand for this practical approach to electric driving. By choosing a range-extended electric vehicle, you’re not just getting a new car; you’re stepping into the future of the automotive industry.

The shift to electric is slowing, but owning a vehicle in the meantime doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. For Omaha and the Midwest, range-extended electric vehicles offer a solution that feels tailor-made for our lives. It respects our need for freedom and capability while embracing a more efficient and exciting way to drive.

The teams at H+H Chevy, H+H Kia, and H+H Jeep Dodge Ram are here to help you navigate this new landscape. We are your local Omaha experts, ready to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect vehicle for your family.