Renault
has world premièred the new hybrid and rechargeable hybrid variants of the new
Clio E-Tech 140hp and New Captur E-Tech Plug-in 160 hp – during the 2020
Brussels Motor Show.
These
latest models are new additions to what is already the largest electric vehicle
range on the market: ‘full hybrid’ with the New Clio E-Tech, ‘full plug-in
hybrid’ with the New Captur E-Tech Plug-in, and ‘100% electric’ with the New
Zoe. A line-up, soon to be extended to the upper segment with Mégane E-TECH
Plug-in where customers can choose the right car for their needs (long
distance, urban multi-purpose, etc.) depending on the preferred technology,
while limiting CO2 emissions and stemming fuel use, even for long trips.
Thanks
to work carried out on developing true multi-modal hybrid motors, as opposed to
merely fitting out traditional combustion motors with electric capabilities, E-Tech
motors guarantee:
•
electric-only start up every time.
•
enjoyable driveability in all circumstances.
•
excellent fuel efficiency thanks to its smart multimodal gearbox, efficient
regenerative braking, and high capacity battery recharging; all of which is
thanks to the combined expertise acquired Formula 1 and electric vehicles.
The
New Clio E-Tech materialises these assets with 80% of the time spent on city
roads in all-electric mode, for a consumption saving of up to 40% compared with
an internal combustion engine in the urban cycle. The New Captur E-Tech Plug-in
can run at 100% electric for 50 kilometres with a top speed of 135 kph in mixed
use (WLTP) and 65 kilometres in urban use (WLTP City).
Innovative technology
The
drive train used across the board in Renault hybrid motors is modular, with one
of two variants: E-Tech for ‘full hybrid’ (HEV or “hybrid’) and E-Tech Plug-in
for ‘full plug-in hybrid’ (PHEV or ‘rechargeable hybrid’). Integrating the new
technology into these two models is easy thanks to both the new CMF-B modular
architecture that was designed from the outset to take on electric capabilities
and the fact that E-Tech systems are more compact than ever before and can be
mounted in the engine bay of a versatile sedan, such as the New Clio.
Renault
engineers have devised an innovative solution for a hybrid range that is
relevant, original, and exclusive – with more than 150 patents – and based on a
hybrid “series-parallel” architecture to ensure the largest range of
combinations and the best CO2 gains when on the road.
The
hybrid car range also taps into the extensive knowledge base of the Renault F1
Team. Production model hybrids share and benefit from technology originally
developed for F1 racing.
Sustainable mobility for all
The
new hybrid motors also draw on experience and synergies from throughout the
Alliance that go hand in hand with those developed by Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Ultimately, within the Alliance, there is a better range of technological
solutions that are adapted to each market’s specific needs and in line with the
global and local strategies of each brand.
Groupe
Renault strives to provide sustainable mobility for all, both today and in the
future. This latest arrival of motors is a next step towards reaching that
goal. By 2022, the Groupe Renault plans to ramp-up its electric range with 8
fully electric models and 12 electric-capable models (hybrid and rechargeable
hybrids).Auto racing and Renault’s involvement in Formula 1 are at the heart of
the company’s work on E-TECH hybrid motors. Bridges between the racing world
and production vehicles fall into two main categories: energy management and
recovery and the use of a multi-mode dog gearbox, for the first time in a
production vehicle.
Renault E-TECH, a dual engine combining responsiveness, driving
pleasure, and efficiency
The
Renault E-TECH hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines were developed and patented by
Renault Engineering. It is inherited from the EOLAB concept car, unveiled at
the 2014 Paris Motor Show and benefits from the brands long term electric
expertise. It uses parts designed within the Alliance, like its new-generation
1.6-litre petrol engine that has been reworked specifically for the occasion.
It is joined by two electric motors – one of which is HSG type (High-Voltage
Starter Generator) – and an innovative multi-mode clutch less gearbox. The
association of both electric motors and the gearbox optimizes for smooth gear
changes (the type of architecture that is known for better fuel efficiency and
comes straight from the Renault F1 Team’s vast experience).Battery capacity
varies according to the type of hybrid engine:
•
The New Clio E-Tech has a 1.2 kWh battery (230V) that grants significant
reductions in fuel use and CO2 emissions, for up to 80% of urban driving time
in 100% electric mode
•
The New Captur E-Tech Plug-in has a 9.8 kWh battery (400V) that allows for up
to 65 km in 100% electric mode in urban areas.