The Renault Emblème shows the way to a clean future for automobiles
The Renault of the Paris Motor Show is the R5, present in force, in all possible colors. We have already had the chance to try it and find just as much interest in the Emblème concept car that sits alongside it.
This futuristic crossover is supposed to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% compared to a modern production vehicle, over the entire life cycle.
An evocative design
This 4.8 meter long concept features an aerodynamic shape and aggressive styling elements, which remind us of the Renaults of the late 90s. Despite the futuristic LED lights and beautiful curves, we can't help but see a little of Safrane and Laguna.
The rear is even more impressive and the designers must have looked towards Zagato for this mix of crossover, sedan and shooting brake displaying broad, curved shoulders. Note the high-tech rear lights which take the form of a deconstructed Renault logo, each side having part of the diamond.
The manufacturer does not show the interior, but announces that it was spacious enough for families, thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.9 m. At the same time, the flat bottom, the camera mirrors and the aero-optimized rims result in an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.25 cd, contributing to greater efficiency. However, we are far from the best students in this area, such as Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Hybrid engine
The concept is based on the AmpR Medium architecture, an evolution of the CMF-EV platform which equips Megane E-Tech And Scenic E-Tech and which we will find under theAlpine A390_Balso present at the World Cup.
To power everything, Renault is relying on a mixture of electric and hydrogen, with a 40 kWh NMC battery for everyday use and a hydrogen fuel cell for longer journeys. The whole thing powers a single 218 hp electric motor.
Renault claims that the battery alone offers “several hundred kilometers” of autonomy while the 2.8 kg hydrogen tank saves an additional 350 km. the Emblem can travel 1,000 km with two five-minute refueling stops, which corresponds to the time of a vehicle with a thermal engine, according to the manufacturer who seems to forget that with a diesel vehicle, only one stop is necessary. Renault is also banking on a massive deployment of hydrogen stations, for the moment still very rare and impractical, since the charging station must be allowed to cool down between each use.
Let us note a very positive point, the weight of 1,750 kg which allows consumption to be contained.
The Renault Emblème is a technological laboratory exploring solutions for maximum decarbonization throughout the life cycle of a vehicle. The announced 90% reduction in CO2 emissions was achieved thanks to the help of 20 partners who worked on the project with Renault and Ampere.
Innovations include natural and recycled materials with low carbon footprints, reused parts and the use of renewable energy in production. Thus, the Emblem can produce only 5 tonnes of CO2 from “cradle to grave”, whereas a Mégane E-Tech, quite clean of its kind, produces around 24 tonnes of CO2 over its life cycle.
