Li Auto Details Range Extender Development Logic: NVH as Top Priority, Fundamentally Different from Traditional Engines

Li Auto's head of extended-range systems recently stated that range extenders are fundamentally different from traditional internal combustion engines in their development philosophy. Traditional engines prioritize power, torque, and fuel efficiency, with NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) considered secondary. In contrast, Li Auto places NVH as the top priority for its range extender, followed by fuel efficiency (achieved through high thermal efficiency and broad operating conditions), long maintenance intervals, and compact size. Since the range extender is used solely for electricity generation and does not directly drive the vehicle, torque and peak power are no longer critical metrics. Based on data and surveys from over one million vehicle owners, users care most about whether the range extender starts imperceptibly, idles quietly, delivers better fuel economy at high speeds, and requires maintenance intervals comparable to those of pure electric vehicles. To address these real-world user needs, Li Auto has introduced a "native extended-range architecture," redesigning the system from the ground up—starting with individual components—to break free from the performance-oriented constraints of traditional engines and focus squarely on user experience.