Renault to Debut Battery and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Concept at Paris Show

Renault will debut its hydrogen fuel-cell concept Emblème at next week’s Paris auto show as the automaker reaffirms its commitment to reach carbon net-zero by 2040.

The vehicle is developed to achieve the best decarbonization levels currently possible throughout its life cycle.

Renault says the Emblème family car is designed to slash overall CO2 emissions from production to end-of-life recycling by up to 90% compared with an equivalent vehicle made today.

The Renault Emblème C-segment shooting brake is driven by an electric powertrain powered by either a 40-kWh battery for everyday commuter use and switching to hydrogen fuel-cell power to handle longer journeys.

Renault says that to achieve its reduced life-cycle CO2 emissions, the concept explores extensive use of recycled materials with a low-carbon footprint, natural materials, production processes relying entirely on renewable energy, general implementation of re-used parts and circularity.

Aerodynamic design concepts include traditional wing mirrors being replaced by cameras integrated into the wheel arches, with windshield wipers concealed under the hood and e-latch handles recessed into the bodywork.

Also, two fins on the hood and two air vents on the bumper channel airflow towards the windshield and behind the wheels, respectively. The wheels are full disc, in order to conduct the air flow along the body.

The F1-inspired flat-bottom design is enhanced by an active diffuser, which tilts downwards and to the rear to balance the airflow and minimize aerodynamic drag. Overall, the vehicle claims a drag coefficient of 0.25.

Renault says Emblème's 214-hp wound-rotor electric motor uses no rare earth metals. It is powered by a small NMC battery which is lighter, cheaper, less bulky and more environmentally friendly than that of a long-range family electric vehicle.

This is complemented by a 40 hp fuel cell that runs on low-carbon hydrogen via a 2.8-kg (6.16-lb.) tank, providing the power required for long journeys, with maximum efficiency of around 60%.

Renault claims the dual powertrain gives the vehicle a claimed range of 621 miles (1,000 km) with refueling time the same as filling an internal-combustion-vehicle’s fuel tank. On a typical journey between Paris and Marseille, 75% of the electricity consumed by the vehicle is produced by the fuel cell, with no emissions other than water.

Recognizing the extra weight that a battery pack adds to a vehicle, the concept designers have concentrated on shaving weight from other areas of the build and claim to have achieved a curb weight of 3,858 lbs. (1,750 kg) less than most SUVs or BEVs of a similar size.

Renault’s electric car wing, Ampere, will reveal full details on the Emblème at the end of October.