At the beginning of this year, Renault took a rather remarkable step with the launch of its new (plug-in) hybrid E-Tech drivelines. The brand, which has had fully electric models for a long time, explains why.
Techzle speaks to Philippe Brunet; head of powertrains at Renault and Dacia. He explains that Renault E-Tech is only intended for the European market. “Our new hybrid technology is aimed at the CO2 markets where stricter rules are set. This has created Renault’s new E-Tech with European consumers in our minds. Private individuals say farewell to diesel. We want to accommodate those people with this new piece of technology. ”
Brunet also sees the hybrid powertrain as the best way to get consumers used to electric driving. “For the time being, E-Tech is the generous middle ground for petrol drivers who don’t drive a lot, but find a full-fledged EV too expensive. A plug-in hybrid offers the best compromise in Total Cost of Ownership. ” The price of a full-fledged electric car is still the biggest problem, according to the Frenchman: “The price for the production of the batteries should preferably be reduced by 50 percent. We are now working hard to achieve this. ”
Renault chooses to make the Clio only a self-charging hybrid, while the Captur has become a real plug-in hybrid. Why? “There are two reasons for this. One: the Clio is in a lower price segment, which makes it logical to introduce the least expensive innovation with this model. In addition, it is difficult to process such a battery pack in such a compact model without losing a lot of usable interior space. ”
Renault now has three models with E-Tech technology: the hybrid Clio and the plug-in hybrid Captur and Mégane Estate. After the Zoe and Twingo ZE, a new electric offensive will start in 2021 and 2022. Then Renault comes with a whole series of new EVs.
The entire interview with Philippe Brunet is here to read.