Renault, the French automaker, has revealed a new concept car, the Embleme, that showcases their commitment to a carbon neutral future. This ‘shooting brake’ station wagon, designed to be a showcase of technical prowess, combines both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology.
The Embleme features a hydrogen fuel cell stack that can be refilled at hydrogen stations, as well as a battery pack that can be recharged from any outlet. This hybrid approach aims to provide the best of both worlds, offering long range capabilities and quick refueling options. While the design may be unconventional, Renault emphasizes the vehicle’s role as a demonstration of their dedication to decarbonization.
The Renault Embleme concept car, a successor to the 2022 Scenic Vision H2-Tech, boasts a remarkable 90% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to modern vehicles. Weighing less than a hybrid SUV or electric vehicle of similar size, the Embleme’s powertrain features a dual-power energy electric system.
A small NMC battery and a 160 kW wound-rotor electric motor, which is free of rare earth materials, work in tandem with a 30 kW PEMFC fuel cell that extracts hydrogen from a 2.8 kg tank. This innovative combination offers a total range of over 650 kilometers, with 350 kilometers on fuel cell power and 300 kilometers on battery power.
The Embleme’s lightweight design and advanced powertrain demonstrate the potential for electric vehicles to significantly reduce their environmental impact. By combining battery and fuel cell technology, the Embleme offers a longer range and greater flexibility than traditional electric vehicles, making it a promising candidate for future production.
