Key facts
- Renault is considering 'super hybrid' range-extender powertrains for its next-generation mid-sized EVs.
- The system, developed with Geely, uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine to charge the EV battery.
- This technology aims to address lagging EV adoption and range anxiety, especially in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
- The 'super hybrid' could potentially offer over 1000km of total range.
- Renault's new EV platform, launching from 2028, is being adapted to include these hybrid options.
Renault is contemplating the integration of a novel 'super hybrid' powertrain into its forthcoming mid-sized electric vehicles, a strategic pivot aimed at mitigating persistent range anxiety and boosting EV adoption in regions where charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
This innovative system, a product of the collaboration between Renault and Chinese manufacturer Geely through their joint venture Horse Powertrain, utilizes a compact 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Crucially, this engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the vehicle's battery, rather than directly powering the wheels. The C15 system, revealed at the Munich motor show, is designed to be compact enough to be installed in various configurations within the EV chassis.
Renault's product boss, Bruno Vanel, acknowledged that the company must maintain flexibility, particularly in the C- and D-segments, as the transition to an all-electric lineup has not progressed as rapidly as initially anticipated. He described a "two-leg approach," emphasizing the continued focus on EVs while remaining open to solutions like the range-extender technology presented by Horse Powertrain. Vanel highlighted its potential relevance for areas like southern Europe or for individuals who cannot consistently charge their vehicles every few days.
The new EV platform, slated for deployment from 2028, is being engineered to underpin Renault's compact and mid-sized electric cars, with a target of achieving a 40% cost reduction compared to the current CMF-BEV platform. Initially conceived as all-electric, this platform is now being adapted to accommodate hybrid powertrains, especially for markets with nascent charging infrastructure. Vanel suggested that these 'super hybrids' could offer a compelling solution for consumers hesitant to embrace EVs due to range concerns, potentially providing over 1000 kilometers (620 miles) of total driving range.