Unveiled at the ChangeNOW summit, Renault’s dual-powered concept is another step towards the company’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
- Renault unveiled its new Scénic Vision concept with a joint electric and hydrogen powerhouse and a claimed range of nearly 500 miles.
- Set to release in 2024, the crossover-inspired concept is a revolution in material sourcing, claiming 70% of materials used as recycled and 95% of the production car set to be recyclable.
- The company plans to implemented additional driver safety technology in the form of camera monitoring and recognized driving behavior assessments.
Concept cars are dubious things, teasing enthusiasts into believing their uncertain existence. In the case of Renault’s new Scénic Vision concept, let’s hope this one comes to life. Beyond the EV-optimized angular dished wheels, the Scénic Vision is an important vehicle in the step towards renewable energy.
Renault will use what it calls H2-Tech, a blend of electric and hydrogen power, to drive the new Scénic Vision. The main power plant is set to be a 160-kW electrically excited synchronous motor aided by a 40-kWh battery and 16-kW hydrogen fuel cell. Supposedly, this combination will increase the available range by reducing battery weight and associated range loss.
The success of Renault’s concept relies on the establishment of a vast and reliable hydrogen network. As Renault stated, “In 2030 and beyond, once the network of hydrogen stations is large enough, you will be able to drive up to 800 km–or, for instance, 750 km from Paris to Marseille—without stopping to charge the battery.” Seven years may be time enough to establish such a network, but the Scénic Vision will become available in 2024, as hydrogen infrastructure lags behind electric development.
Despite this logistical worry, the Scénic Vision is truly an aspirational concept. Renault aims to produce the vehicle using more than 70% recycled materials, with over 95% of the vehicle itself to be recyclable. The floor of the vehicle is composed of recycled plastics, such as milk bottles or plastic pipes, while theinterior touch points are created from recycled polyester. Carbon fiber produced from recycled paper waste will shape the hydrogen fuel cell. The Scénic Vision is set to have an overall running carbon footprint 75% smaller than a conventional EV.
“Its battery is up to 60% less carbon intensive than an equivalent battery, thanks to the use of short loops and low-carbon sourcing of minerals, and the use of low-carbon energy to assemble and produce the battery,” the company stated.
Safety is another key goal with the Scénic Vision. The company has equipped its concept with a number of cameras that allow for enhanced driver vision and risk assessment software. Renault claims that the vehicle will also be able to provide personalized health advice, thanks to interior cameras and probes monitoring the driver’s heart rate and fatigue. Audio quality has been heavily considered—each seat being equipped with its own microphone and loudspeakers—with the help of French composer Jean-Michel Jarre. Features like memorized seating positions and the ability to amplify audio at each seat are options that could aid those with disabilities, according to Renault.
Renault revealed many numerical specifications, including its estimated 3,750lb curb weight and 21 inch wheels, but has not yet set a price for the Scénic Vision. In addition to cars like the Megane E-Tech, the Scénic Vision aids Renault in its goal of carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. And while the daily logistics of a car like the Scénic Vision remain uncertain, ambitious engineering and design is the way forward for automakers around the world.
Keyword: Renault Scénic Vision Concept Draws from EV and Hydrogen Power Sources