Renault already rank among Europe’s top three car manufacturers for the lowest CO2, but now the carmaker has set its sights on moving to the number one position. To achieve this objective, Renault says it is currently working on the development of low-emission and zero-CO2 emissions vehicles in a determined bid to introduce as many effective technologies as possible at an affordable price. Its work on powertrains focuses on three main areas; the development of electric motors, aiming to become the industry leader in the realm of mass-market electric vehicles, developing a new generation of turbocharged internal combustion engines, both petrol and diesel as well as producing new automatic transmissions.
Compared to 1995, Renault’s average CO2 emissions have come down by 25 per cent, while in the same 14-year period its vehicles have also become safer and quieter. Renault’s intention today is to become Europe’s number one carmaker for the lowest CO2 emissions. To achieve this, the group is focusing on developing new technologies and developing a range of electric vehicles.
As part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance significant progress has been made concerning lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, safety, durability and cost reductions. This work has led to the possibility of developing attractive, pleasant-to-drive electric vehicles with sufficient range. Through their partnership with Nissan, Renault are also looking to develop new consumer patterns such as monthly subscriptions, pay as you go schemes to make operating a car a more flexible experience.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains which will cover a power range of between 50 and 100kW (70 and 140hp). These powertrains are intended for a wide range of vehicle categories, from city cars and family saloons, to small and large vans. The first vehicles to feature all-electric powertrains will be a three-box saloon and a Kangoo-type LCV as early as 2011.
That said, electric vehicles are not destined to replace all vehicles on the road, Renault state. Thanks to their versatility and to advances due to be introduced over the coming years, internal combustion engines will continue to stand out as a valid solution for many customers.
Renault is speeding up its work on downsized and improving the energy efficiency of its petrol engines. Powered by the 1.2 litre TCe 100 introduced two years ago, the Clio boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of its class (i.e. 100hp petrol engines), namely 137g/km.
To maintain the competitive edge its petrol engine range enjoys, and to achieve further significant reductions in CO2 emissions, Renault is developing a family of ‘modular’ TCe engines.
With the imminent switch to Euro 5 and Euro 6 legislation, Renault expect petrol engines to become an increasingly attractive proposition, a trend anticipated by their new family of three- and four-cylinder TCe engines.
Based on a range of cubic capacities extending from 0.9 to 1.2 litres, they will replace the current normally-aspirated engines in the 1.2- to 1.6-litre bracket. These new engines, which will feature a low inertia turbocharger, will focus on power outputs of between 65 and 85kW (90 and 115hp).
Renault will go on to develop more powerful versions. The basic design of these engines will permit the use of direct fuel injection and will enable even higher specific power outputs. CO2 emissions will be cut by between 30 and 40g/km compared with the engines they replace, and certain vehicles will be able to claim CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.
The first of these engines will be launched within the next two-and-a-half years, and Renault estimates that these powerplants will go on to account for some 85 per cent of the petrol engines it markets in Europe. This family of modular engines is being developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, an approach which permits capital outlay to be shared and economies of scale to be achieved, while also allowing the development of powertrains that meet the specific needs of different regions. These TCe engines will be derived from the Nissan range’s existing 1.5 and 1.6 litre units, with Renault bringing its understanding of the European market and experience of turbocharging to the table.
Turbocharged four-stroke diesel engines equipped with common rail direct fuel injection currently stand out as the most energy-efficient solution for use in passenger cars. On average, diesel engines consume between 20 and 30 per cent less fuel than a petrol engine of an equivalent level of performance. The range of dCi engines currently boasts first class results with regard to CO2 emissions. For example, the Twingo dCi 86 claims 104g/km of CO2.
Renault’s engineers intend to maximize the benefits of dCi technology thanks to evolutions aimed at enabling them to comply with upcoming emissions standards and making them even more fuel efficient. Numerous vehicles powered by these new-generation dCi engines will be able to claim CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km Renault confirm.
