100% electric, the Renault Megane and Scenic could once again offer a thermal engine

Renault took risks by not offering its Megane And Scenic new generation than in the electric version. Their CMF-EV platform is in fact dedicated to this energy, which is almost a necessity to offer successful electric vehicles. However, although the Megane and Scenic E-Tech were well received by the press, their sales remained low and the disappearance of thermal models was evident.

The platform which will serve as the basis for the next generations of these models is expected around 2030. It will therefore succeed the CMF-EV, but “if [les ventes de véhicules électriques] are not as significant as expected, you could add options like a range extender or a plug-in hybrid system to compensate, and that’s what we’re working on.”explains Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand, to Coach. The next platform used by the Megane and Scenic, among others, could therefore accommodate internal combustion engines.

Series hybridization to more easily offer thermal engine versions

This multi-energy approach may seem like a step backwards, when we know the numerous sacrifices necessary to develop thermal and electrical models on the same platform. However, Fabrice Cambolive specifies that it will indeed be, basically, a “platform dedicated to electricity”while certain platforms presented as multi-energy are in reality closer to platforms developed first for thermal vehicles.

In addition, possible thermal engine models developed on this future platform could be devoid of mechanical connection between their combustion engine and their wheels. “Logic requires a series drive device, which means electric traction”specifies Fabrice Cambolive. Compared to parallel hybridization, with a mechanical connection between the internal combustion engine and the wheels, a series architecture makes it possible to maintain a platform closer to that of a 100% electric vehicle.

Remember that certain hybrid models already offer such an architecture, such as Nissan e-Power, as well as electric cars with range extenders, particularly Chinese ones, similar to plug-in hybrid models. In a way, Renault was even a precursor with the late Kangoo Elect’Road, an electric version with a range extender of the first generation of Kangoo.