Renault and Nissan distance themselves from PHEVs

Nissan recently presented a whole range of electrified models to the press in Spain, including AutoWeek. In addition to the fully electric Ariya and the updated version of the existing Leaf, we also found a hybrid Juke and the e-Power versions of the Qashqai and the new X-Trail. What is missing from that list? That’s right: plug-in hybrids. At Renault, we saw something similar with the introduction of Kadjar successor Austral. That car will come as a Mild Hybrid and with a new version of Renault’s E-Tech Hybrid powertrain, but not as a plug-in. Remarkable, because the Captur and Mégane are available as a plug-in hybrid.

When asked, Nissan and Renault are both happy to provide a statement, which broadly means the same thing. Nissan indicates that the PHEV has a number of major technical drawbacks. For example, a plugin is heavier than a regular hybrid, due to the presence of a larger battery and a heavier electric motor. The associated advantage – a greater electric range – is only used if the user actually charges the car, which, according to the brand, does not always happen. A regular hybrid is less heavy and less complex and is less dependent on the driver’s behavior to deliver its performance.

Other measurement method

Renault keeps it a bit more cryptic and states that the regular hybrid ‘is a better match with the customer’s requirements’. Both brands also reluctantly admit that the uncertain tax situation surrounding plug-in hybrids also plays a role. After all, the EU is looking for another way to calculate the CO2 emissions of these cars. That could simply mean that the CO2 emissions will in theory turn out to be a lot higher, even though the great advantage of PHEVs is that they achieve extremely favorable figures with the current method. In France and Japan people probably prefer to wait and see how this develops.

In time, of course, the regular hybrid must also disappear from the range, because like many other brands, Renault and Nissan only want to offer EVs in Europe from 2030. By the way, this post says nothing about Renault’s current PHEV offering, which is still fresh. It should not be confused with that of earlier today. That is about delivery problems and order stops on PHEVs in Germany, this about global policy.