Renault could offer its next-generation electric cars with a new ‘super hybrid’ powertrain that uses a small petrol engine to boost range.

Renault’s VP for Product Performance, Bruno Vanel, said the change in approach is a recognition that the company “has to remain flexible in the C- and D-segment” because, while it is working towards an all-electric line-up, EV uptake hasn’t been as quick as anticipated.

“We’ve got a two-leg approach,” said Vanel. “The direction is towards EVs, so we are focusing on EVs and the efficiency of the vehicles, but it doesn’t prevent us from looking at solutions like the one Horse has presented.”

C15

Renault is working on a new EV platform for its next mid-sized cars, but, in response to lagging EV uptake in certain regions and prevailing range anxiety, is now also considering offering them with a range-extender system.

Such an EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) can use different methods to generate electricity while driving. Renault, for example, has already shown concepts with a fuel-cell system as a range extender, such as the Scenic concept and, more recently, the Emblème Concept.

This C15 system was revealed at the Munich motor show last September by Horse Powertrain, a company co-owned by Renault and Chinese manufacturer Geely.

Called the C15, the system comprises a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an integrated generator and inverter, said to be no larger than a briefcase, allowing it to be installed at the front or rear of an EV, either vertically or horizontally.

There are two versions: a naturally aspirated one with 94 hp and a turbocharged one with 161 hp, aimed at larger models. The engine doesn’t drive the car’s wheels; it’s used to charge the battery while the car is in motion.

“Things which extend the electric range of EVs look to us to be a very interesting and probably relevant solution to go towards an electric world,” explains Vanel. “For the south of Europe, for example, or for people who cannot charge every two or three days. It could be a very good solution for the C- and D-segment and the next platform we are developing.”

New platform

This new platform is being developed to underpin Renault’s compact and mid-sized EVs from 2028, aiming for a 40% cost reduction compared with today’s CMF-BEV platform.  It will first underpin a production version of the Emblème concept, potentially replacing the current Mégane.

It was initially planned to be all-electric, but it is now being adapted to accommodate hybrid powertrains where necessary, particularly in regions where the EV charging infrastructure is still in its early stages.

‘Super hybrid’

Vanel points to southern Italy as one such region and adds that “there is still also range anxiety” across the wider EV market, so this ‘super hybrid’ solution might be more interesting in Europe more generally.

“Super hybrids can help people to get into the electric world with less anxiety than they have today. When you are talking about cars with more than 1,000km of range, you know that even if you don’t find a charge point, you can still drive.”

Vanel also confirms that while Renault is actively evaluating range-extender technology, it has no plans to adapt its current EV platforms or models to accommodate such a system.