Renault announces EV and PHEV strategy at Paris ~ station of gear

2018-10-01 18:40

Renault confirms hybrid versions of Clio, Captur and Megane as well as China-built affordable EV, on the eve of the Paris Motor Show

Renault has confirmed plans to add hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to its big-selling B and C-segment cars from 2020. The information was revealed on the eve of this year’s Paris Motor Show, and was presented alongside a China-built all-electric city car.

The next-generation Renault Clio will be offered as a hybrid from 2020. Likely to be badged Clio e-Tech, it’s currently unclear whether the supermini will use a 12 or 48-volt system, and whether it will offer any kind of all-electric range. Renault gave away no details on power, fuel economy or emissions.

In addition, the larger Captur crossover and Megane family car will both be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain from 2020, presumably lifted from Alliance partners Mistubishi. The current Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a 2.4-litre petrol engine mated to a pair of electric motors, though the Renault models may use a downsized set-up due to their more compact dimensions and lower weights.

Groupe Renault Chairman Carlos Ghosn said: “[Hybrid] gives customers the possibility to go electric in the models they know and love. e-Tech, an innovative, 100 per cent Renault in-house technology, enables Renault to offer hybrid versions on B and C-segment models.”

Elsewhere, Renault revealed the K-ZE show car: an SUV-inspired all-electric small car with a 250-mile (NEDC) range. It’ll go on sale in China in 2019, before being rolled out in other global markets at a later date.

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Renault says the K-ZE will get a ‘double charging system’ compatible with domestic plugs and public charge points. All cars will come with parking sensors, a reversing camera, a central screen and built-in sat-nav. While these features are commonplace in Europe and the UK, it will set the K-ZE apart from many China-only EVs in its domestic market.

Looking much like an electrified Dacia Sandero Stepway, the front of the K-ZE dominated by the V-shaped grille and LED daytime running lights, while from the side, it's raised body and black cladding is clear to see. The rear looks rather similar that of the outgoing Renault Clio, with darked glass and sharp tail-lights. The K-ZE will be built in China by e-GT New Energy Automotive Co, the company set up following a joint venture with Dongfeng and Renault Alliance partner Nissan.

Renault also previewed a new “immersive Augmented Editorial Experience” at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The full-size capsule can transition through four different autonomous driving scenarios, showing the user how they might spend their time in a car in the future.

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Renault K-ZE and powertrains - pictures

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