With its emblem concept, Renault challenges a family car by marrying daring design, electric-energy-hydrogen bi-energy motorization and radical ecological commitment. A stylistic and technological revolution that questions its feasibility. © RENAULT – RENAULT EMBLEME is an electric demo -car with hydrogen autonomy extension. Save save Receive Renault alerts and if a “shooting brake” crossover (hunting break), high -end and ecological, sign the future of Renault? At the Auto World Cup, last October, the brand had left some clues with regard to this enigma, by the presentation in particular of a concept car named emblem. Problem, we hardly paid attention to it, so placed at the bottom of the stand, behind the stars R5 e-tech and electric R4. However, this unnoticed battery model remains the prefiguration of what Renault cars might look like. Those who embody its ambitions in matters of decarbonation. Definition of this barbaric word: it is a set of actions, measures and techniques aimed at reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of carbon dioxide from a country, an economy or a company, according to the Larousse. A huge issue today for any self -respecting car manufacturer. Indeed, the concept car emblem would thus make 90% less greenhouse gases, compared to a 2019 reference vehicle and still produced today. Or only 5 tonnes of CO2 emitted from the “cradle to the grave”, that is to say from its conception until its end of life. Everything is measured from the extraction of raw materials to the production of components, including their assembly, transport, the use of the vehicle, its maintenance and its recycling. Renault explained to us how he did this laboratory on wheels, with around fifty innovations. Read also: Stellantis ready to buy CO2 emission credits in Tesla to avoid Renault fines and this iconic weight hunt! Reducing the carbon footprint already goes through design. Forget everything you know about the Renault, Emblème is displayed as a 4.8 -meter futuristic hunting break, with tense and aerodynamic lines (car penetration in the air), thus making it possible to emit less CO2. Far from the “SUV” template, this concept car assumes a low and slender silhouette, devoid of mirrors, replaced by two integrated cameras in the arches of wheels. The front wipers are even hidden under the hood, and the door handles are sensitive to the touch of the hand and dug in the body. To hold the lasting objective, the designers and the engineers looked at the question of weight, the sworn enemy of energy consumption. Thus, all hunting at the superfluous kilo to put on wheels a car weighing a total of 1,750 kg, including batteries. A lower mass than most electrified vehicles. About twenty manufacturers like Michelin, Valeo, etc., helped, playing the game, even in front of a strict specifications in terms of decarbonation. Forvia, for example, provided for this concept, 5 elements (central console, door panels, dashboard, etc.). Thanks to the use of hemp fiber or pineapple leaf, avoiding welding or glue (by nesting), the equipment supplier reduced the on -board weight of these 5 kg modules and its 72%CO2 emissions. Verkor, a French manufacturer and supplier of batteries, is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 72% compared to what is marketed on the market, thanks to new generation batteries, smaller and less heavy, but just as efficient. This quest for the kilo is also embodied through the Acelor Mittal steel producer, which has notably reduced the thickness of its elements to lighten the 40 kg vehicle without impacting safety, of the Constellium group for the use of aluminum from falls, the Déscatal supplier for their choice of recycled plastic rims, etc. Note that Autoneum lightened the weight of the 7kg floor mat by using only one material, the polyester, 90% recycled from glass particles. Emblem is designed with 50% recycled materials, and its elements are 90% recyclable. A renault hydrogen emblem! At what price and when? This green car project also includes a surprise under the hood. Emblem has a bi-energy electrical engine. The concept car is thus powered in two ways: by a “classic” 40 kWh rechargeable battery, less heavy, more virtuous, sufficient for daily trips and by a low carbon hydrogen fuel cell of 30 kW, which takes over over long distances. No button has been installed in controls, the transition is automatic. Total autonomy can therefore reach up to 1,000 km with only two five -minute stops to fill up with hydrogen. To read also: Hydrogen: why the sector is looking for a second breath, despite the billions of public money is all that, but the challenge is great. So when is the emblem -type cars produced in large series, and on sale? If you are won over, you will have to be patient. And it is not even for a question of price that Renault hesitates, since all the actors promise in concert that this sustainable vehicle will not be more expensive to buy for the end consumer if it is marketed one day. Thanks in particular to an organized sector and investment times respected and optimized by everyone. If some outdoor and interior design elements may eventually be found in 3 years in future Renault models, the project viability with hydrogen that remains compromised. The only electric motorization would make the project possible, but the C02 objectives should be slightly revised down. Renault says it is ready to work the hydrogen subject in depth, but France, no, because the distribution network is still far too embryonic on date. We are told in the atrium that the big Luca de Meo pattern “would like to get it out quickly”, perhaps in an electric version, less than -50 g of CO2 emitted and not -90g, allowed by the addition of hydrogen technology. Restful also if this audacity will seduce drivers and mark the start of a new era for Renault. Auto receive our latest news twice a week, automotive news at a glance. (tagstotranslate) Renault
