The fuel cell range expander allows for a smaller and lighter battery

Renault has introduced one of its main models in the form of EV with a range extender on hydrogen fuel cells. It previews the production model, which is scheduled to launch in Europe in 2024.

The Renault Scénic Vision concept has borrowed the name of the compact Scénic minivan from the European market, which first appeared in the 1990s. But instead of the internal combustion engine of the current production model, the concept has an electric motor with a capacity of 160 kW (214 hp) from the hatchback Renault Mégane E-Tech, another electric version of the popular model on the European market, first seen in the form of a concept two years ago.

Reno claims that the 40-kW battery is also a production element. It will be manufactured at the ElectriCity carmaker plant in northern France starting in 2024. Renault has reduced the package size to 40 kW / h because the Scénic Vision also has a 15 kW fuel cell. After creating a network of hydrogen stations on the side will be able to drive 497 miles, according to Renault. The automaker sees this as a way to make long journeys more convenient.

The automaker claims that the Scénic Vision can be used as a regular EV for daily travel, relying solely on battery life. On long journeys, the process of fast hydrogen refueling (about five minutes, according to Renault) has a clear advantage over even the most powerful fast DC chargers. Assuming that the promised Renault network of hydrogen stations materializes, i.e.

In cold weather, the fuel cell can also be used to keep the battery at the optimum temperature, helping to maximize available power reserve, Renault said. And it helps make the battery smaller and lighter that Renault has battery replacement is also considered help achieve.

Renault has also focused on sustainability. According to the car manufacturer, Scénic Vision is 95% recyclable and this includes the battery. Overall, Renault claims that the carbon footprint of the concept is 75% smaller than that of a conventional car.

Renault Scénic Vision concept

In the concept, the hydrogen tank is located at the front, the battery and fuel cell are under the floor, and the engine is at the rear. Renault said that the concept has a “completely new platform”, but the serial version will use just such CMF-EV platformboth in collaboration with Nissan and Infiniti and used in future Aria. Brands are aiming to release 15 models on this platform by 2030, and Renault expects that by then it will be fully electric.

In Europe, Renault EV’s strategy will focus on affordability, as well as retro style. Among the planned automakers EV – a modern interpretation of the Renault 5, a modest fuel-efficient car that has become a legend of hot hatches among car enthusiasts.