Renault is recalibrating its electrification roadmap. To bridge the gap between internal combustion and a purely electric future, the French carmaker will introduce extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Most likely together with partner Geely, with a technology focusing on ultra-compact ‘suitcase-sized’ engines that act solely as onboard generators. Will the other European car manufacturers follow its lead?
Renault has recognized a critical market reality: for many consumers, the infrastructure and range of battery-electric vehicles remain a hurdle that only a hybrid-electric compromise can clear in the near term.
Based around C15?
Therefore, its new tactical approach to the energy transition is to shift away from a singular focus on battery-electric vehicles toward a sophisticated range-extender strategy.
Central to this maneuver could be the new C15 engine developed by Horse Powertrain, the joint venture established between Renault, Geely, and Saudi Aramco.
This 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit represents a departure from traditional powertrain design, packaged into a space no larger than a standard carry-on briefcase.
The technical brilliance of the C15 lies in its modularity and singular purpose. Measuring just 48 by 49 by 25 centimeters, the unit integrates the engine, generator, inverter, and cooling system into one compact block.
Successor to Rafale
Like the ePower technology from partner Nissan, this architecture keeps the internal combustion unit decoupled from the drivetrain. The engine exists purely to replenish the battery on the move, allowing the vehicle to maintain its electric driving characteristics while clearing the shadow of range anxiety.
Interestingly, Nissan has been a strong advocate for this solution, but Renault doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity to migrate its technology, even though they are affiliated.
The C15 will be introduced on the RGEV Medium 2.0 platform, which will be used for both BEV and EREV. The first model of the architecture will be the Rafale’s successor. It is expected to offer a range of 1,400 kilometers, roughly doubling that of the fully electric version (750 km).
The new platform elevates Renault’s model development. It can cover a wide range of formats, from small to midsize (up to 4.8 meters), and will switch to rear-wheel drive, unlike the current CMF-BEV platform, which is front-wheel drive.
Four-wheel drive is also on the table. Reportedly, the new architecture will shed costs by a considerable margin (40%), mainly by moving from NMC to LFP chemistry – though the latter remains unconfirmed officially.
Preparing for the new 2035
With the new strategy, Renault looks ahead. Industry analysts suggest that the early adopter phase for battery-electric vehicles has passed, and the mass market remains wary of public charging infrastructure and the high cost of large-battery vehicles. Moreover, the revised 2035 deadline would allow combustion engines to continue operating after that date, making EREVs a viable investment.
No details about the battery itself are available, but it is believed to be approximately half the size of a standard long-range EV pack (circa 80 kWh). This enables Renault to significantly reduce the weight of its vehicles while maintaining the best of cruising ranges through the marriage with the combustion engine.
Critics might view the return of the piston as a step backward for a brand that has successfully unfolded an electric retro portfolio, governing the Twingo, the 4, and the 5. However, the surging success of EREVs from tech-focused competitors like Li Auto and Xiaomi in the Chinese market has not gone unnoticed in Paris.
Volkswagen, together with Audi, is following a similar path with the development of its SSP platform, slated for 2029, which can host both battery-powered drivelines and combustion engines.
According to German outlet Automobilwoche, BMW is working on bringing back the EREV solution as it was offered on the iconic i3. It will be fitted to the next-generation X5, which will be unveiled this year. Finally, Stellantis is researching the tech too.
