Renault made a surprise unveiling before the 2024 Paris Auto Show with the Embleme concept. The futuristic crossover features an FCEV powertrain using hydrogen as a range-extender. More importantly, it is said to reduce lifetime CO2 emissions by 90 percent compared to a modern production vehicle. The 4.8-meter long concept has an aerodynamic shape and aggressive styling cues, harking back to Renaults’ design language from the late ’90s. The sharp nose somehow brings to mind the Safrane and Laguna sedans, albeit with futuristic LEDs and sexy curves. The tail is equally impressive with a heavily sculpted tailgate and a deconstructed version of the Renault rhombus logo on the high-tech taillights. The bodystyle is a blend of crossover, hatchback, and shooting brake, with the footprint being closer to Europe’s midsize segment.
The company didn’t publish photos of the
interior, but the said it is spacious enough for families, thanks to the 2.9 m long wheelbase. At the same time, clever solutions like the flat
underbody, the mirror-replacing cameras, the aero-optimized wheels, and the
fins on the hood, result in an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.25 cd, contributing
to greater efficiency. The concept rides on the AmpR Medium architecture, which
is an evolution of the CMF-EV platform underpinning the Megane E-Tech and
Scenic E-Tech. The “dual power energy electric powertrain” combines a 40 kWh
Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery pack for daily driving with a hydrogen fuel
cell for longer journeys. Both power a single electric motor that produces 215
hp.
Renault claims that the battery alone
offers “several hundred kilometers” of range, with the 2.8 kg hydrogen tank
extending it by an extra 350 km (218 miles). Overall, the Embleme can travel
1,000 km with two 5-minute refueling stops, matching the time of an
ICE-powered vehicle – as long as you can find two hydrogen refueling stations
along your route. Another factor that contributes to efficiency is the
comparably low weight of 1,750 kg including the fuel cell and the
battery.
Renault’s main goal with the concept was
to explore solutions for maximum decarbonization across the lifecycle of a
vehicle. The advertised 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions was achieved with
the help of 20 partners that worked on the project with Renault and Ampere.
Innovations include natural and recycled materials with a low carbon footprint,
re-used parts, and the use of renewable energy in production. As a result, the
Embleme can produce just 5 tonnes of CO2 from “cradle to grave”.
The Renault Embleme will be showcased at
the Paris Auto Show, starting October 14. Following the public premiere,
Renault’s Ampere unit will offer a detailed presentation of the concept towards
the end of the month. The company describes the Embleme as their “vision of a
family vehicle” and a tech laboratory, meaning that some of its features might
find their way to future production models.
