Renault reveals electric-hydrogen hybrid concept car, says it will have range of up to 497 miles

Renault has launched particulars of an electric-hydrogen hybrid idea automobile, with the French automaker describing hydrogen expertise as being “one of many choices to make electrical autos extra handy.”

The design for Renault’s Scenic Imaginative and prescient incorporates a hydrogen engine, electrical motor, battery, gasoline cell and a hydrogen tank. The two.5 kilogram tank is situated on the car’s entrance and, Renault stated, would take round 5 minutes to fill.

In accordance with a doc revealed on Thursday that outlined the idea, the Scenic Imaginative and prescient’s 40 kilowatt hour battery is recyclable and shall be produced at a facility in France by 2024.

In a press release, Gilles Vidal, who’s director of design at Renault, stated the idea “prefigures the outside design of the brand new Scénic 100% electrical mannequin for 2024.” The corporate stated the electric-hydrogen powertrain was “a part of a longer-term imaginative and prescient, past 2030.”

The broad thought is that the Scenic Imaginative and prescient’s hydrogen gasoline cell would assist lengthen the car’s vary throughout longer journeys. “In 2030 and past, as soon as the community of hydrogen stations is massive sufficient, it is possible for you to to drive as much as 800 km [a little over 497 miles] … with out stopping to cost the battery,” Renault stated.

Described by the Worldwide Power Company as a “versatile vitality provider,” hydrogen has a various vary of functions and could be deployed in a variety of industries.

It may be produced in quite a few methods. One methodology consists of utilizing electrolysis, with an electrical present splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen.

If the electrical energy used on this course of comes from a renewable supply reminiscent of wind or photo voltaic then some name it inexperienced or renewable hydrogen.

It is envisaged that Renault’s hybrid would use inexperienced hydrogen, though the overwhelming majority of hydrogen technology is presently based mostly on fossil fuels.

Renault’s electric-hydrogen idea illustrates how automobile firms want to discover methods to develop low and 0 emission choices that may compete with the vary of gasoline and diesel autos.

“A number of techniques to enrich electrical motors are being explored in the present day to deal with the necessities related to long-distance driving,” Renault stated. “Hydrogen expertise is without doubt one of the choices to make electrical autos extra handy.”

Within the subject of hydrogen mobility, the Renault Group has already arrange a three way partnership with Plug Energy referred to as Hyvia. Amongst different issues, it’s centered on hydrogen gasoline cells in gentle business autos and the rollout of hydrogen charging services.

Renault’s thought of growing a passenger car that makes use of hydrogen expertise will not be distinctive.

Toyota, as an illustration, began engaged on the event of fuel-cell autos — the place hydrogen from a tank mixes with oxygen, producing electrical energy — again in 1992. In 2014, the Japanese enterprise launched the Mirai, a hydrogen gasoline cell sedan.

Different main firms like Hyundai and BMW are additionally taking a look at hydrogen, in addition to smaller issues reminiscent of U.Okay.-based Riversimple.

Whereas the above firms are trying on the potential of hydrogen, some high-profile figures within the automotive sector should not so positive. In Feb. 2021, Herbert Diess, the CEO of Germany’s Volkswagen Group, weighed in on the topic. “It is time for politicians to just accept science,” he tweeted.

“Inexperienced hydrogen is required for metal, chemical, aero … and mustn’t find yourself in vehicles. Far too costly, inefficient, gradual and tough to roll out and transport. In any case: no #hydrogen vehicles in sight.”

Regardless of Thursday’s unveiling of the Scenic Imaginative and prescient idea, even Renault CEO Luca de Meo would seem like cautious with regards to speaking about hydrogen’s prospects, in accordance with feedback revealed by Autocar.

Elsewhere, in Feb. 2020 Brussels-based marketing campaign group Transport and Surroundings hammered dwelling simply how a lot competitors hydrogen would face within the transportation sector.

T&E made the purpose that inexperienced hydrogen would not solely need to “compete with gray and blue hydrogen,” that are produced utilizing fossil fuels. “It would compete with petrol, diesel, marine gasoline oil, kerosene and, after all, electrical energy,” T&E stated.

“Wherever batteries are a sensible resolution — vehicles; vans; city, regional and maybe long-haul vehicles; ferries — hydrogen will face an uphill battle due to its decrease effectivity and, because of this, a lot larger gasoline prices.”