Renault Embleme hydrogen concept car revealed
The unveiling of a new car took an unexpected turn when one auto giant said they had an eco alternative, claiming EVs were “not enough.”
Renault looks set to join the likes of Hyundai, Toyota, Honda and BMW by investing in hydrogen powered cars as well as EVs.
Recognising that battery electric technology is “still not enough to compete with ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles in terms of range and journey time”, the French brand has unveiled its vision for a hybrid-powered car that combines a hydrogen fuel cell with a EV-style battery and electric motor.
More: Hyundai Intium hydrogen concept revealed
Powered by a new 160kW wound-rotor electric motor built without rare earth metals, the Renault has two energy reserves: a 40kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery under the floor, and a 30kW hydrogen fuel cell under the front hood.
Renault says it is able to cover a distance of up to 1000 km “in the same time as an equivalent combustion vehicle”.
No electric charging is required, just two stops of less than five minutes for hydrogen refuelling, delivering a range of 350km,” the brand says.
More: Toyota expands hydrogen refuelling stations
By blending the best of hydrogen and electric powertrains, the dual-energy system drives like an EV, but has the rapid refuelling potential of a petrol car in a much greener form.
It also has low drag aero developed by the Alpine F1 Team that took a double podium result at last weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
The suave Renault Embleme concept shapes up as a wagon-like “shooting brake” as opposed to an SUV, as it is a lighter, more aerodynamic solution than boxy high-riding crossovers.
Renault says the car is “decarbonised ‘from head to toe’, emitting 90 per cent less greenhouse gases over its entire life cycle than an equivalent vehicle produced today.
The car has fascinating design touches including an interior with an approach not seen before.
More:Driving BMW’s hydrogen-powered X5
Modern cars have a cabin made from a wide variety of materials such as leather, cotton, carpets, plastics, felt and foam, to provide a variety of textures and finishes throughout the cabin.
But the Embleme’s interior is made from one recyclable woven polyester that makes the car significantly easier to break down at the end of its usable life.
Other interesting elements include a 1.2 metre long, 12 centimetre high screen with 8K resolution, measuring an enormous 48 inches from corner to corner for what Renault says is an “unprecedented multimedia experience”.
Like most concept cars, the Renault Embleme is not slated for production. The brand says it is “entirely exploratory for the moment”, and a symbol for how we may drive in the future.
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