Hydrogen Electric and Carbon Fibre: The Car That Reduces CO2 Emissions by 90% Over Its Lifetime

Ecodesign, resource selection, manufacturing, use, and end of life. Developed by Ampere, the Renault Emblème is the result of this approach. A vision of a low-carbon family vehicle from start to finish, emitting 90% less greenhouse gases (CO2) throughout its lifecycle compared to the 2019 benchmark.

The key is a 70% reduction in carbon footprint during component production, the integration of 50% recycled materials, and the fact that almost all materials used are recyclable at the end of their life.

Engineers and designers also collaborated to find the best aerodynamic and energy efficiency solutions. The result is stunning: a sleek 4.80-meter-long shooting brake that pays attention to both its design details and its technological interior and carbon footprint.

Developed by Ampere, Renault's electric vehicle manufacturing division, the Emblème features 50% recycled materials, a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of its component manufacturing, and achieves a recycling level of over 90% at the end of its life.

The Emblème is equipped with a wound rotor electric motor, free of rare earths, with 160kW (217 HP) powered in two ways: by a 40kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery housed under the floor and by a 30kW fuel cell powered by low-carbon hydrogen through a 2.8-kilogram capacity tank placed under the front hood.

For long journeys, the French brand specifies that this model would prioritize the use of the fuel cell to reduce recharging times thanks to hydrogen. With no CO2 emissions at the exhaust, the Renault Emblème could travel up to 1,000 kilometers in a time equivalent to a thermal vehicle: without electric recharging, with only two hydrogen refuels completed in less than five minutes, providing about 350 kilometers of range each.

In daily use, the Emblème would behave like a pure electric: it would recharge through regenerative braking, by plug, and thanks to solar panels located on the sunroof, with a surface area of 3m2, which could charge up to 150 kW of power.

The Renault Emblème in its design seems like a 'science fiction' car, but it is inspired by the 2022 Renault Scenic, and the French firm clarifies that it would be a model for long family trips.

In its configuration, there are up to 50 innovations aimed at reducing its environmental impact in collaboration with more than 20 technology partners, including companies like ArcelorMittal, Akwel Forvia, Michelin, Valeo, Dicastal, or Verkor, all involved from the start in an 'ecodesign' process.

Additionally, this collaboration with suppliers has led to innovations such as ultra-lightweight wheels, Michelin tires aerodynamically optimized for low rolling resistance, pineapple fiber interior linings, single-family plastics, or more compact and efficient electrical systems during the vehicle's life.

Elements like the active grille at the front, which can open or close to cool components like the battery; mirrors replaced by cameras, improving blind spots; tactile embedded handles, developed over two years and using only six components instead of the 56 components used in the Mégane E-Tech, or the active rear diffuser are components brought to this design with maximum technological dynamism.

Moreover, lightweight materials help keep the total weight around 1,800 kg—a weight significantly lower than current electric models.

Visually, the Renault Emblème opts for a 4.80-meter body, with a fluid roofline and an elegant and dynamic finish. With a wheelbase of 2.90 meters and a height of only 1.52 meters, it presents itself as a potential spacious family vehicle, with a trunk capacity of 556 liters plus an additional 74 liters under the front hood.

In the rear seats, the central seat is positioned further back than the rest and is also wider than in other models of the French brand, offering more comfort for passengers traveling in that area of the vehicle.

All this without compromising advanced aerodynamic efficiency, thanks to digital simulation tools provided by the BWT Alpine Formula 1 team, which belongs to the Renault Group.