Renault enters the world of hydrogen and promises 1,000 kilometers of autonomy

The decarbonization of mobility is a key objective in the fight against climate change. Most automotive companies have already anticipated the zero emissions goal starting in the next decade, although they continue working on new technology developments.

On this path is Renault, which pursues the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 in Europe and 2050 worldwide.

And part of that future will be presented at the next Paris Motor Show by the Renault Embleman electric prototype capable of being powered by two energy sources: a rechargeable battery to move through urban environments and a hydrogen fuel cell to cover long distances.

The French automaker did not release exact data regarding autonomy, but promises that with this technology the vehicle is capable of traveling up to 1,000 kilometers.

The Renault Embleme is a crossover based on the AmpR Medium platform, a rear-wheel drive architecture that houses different components of the propulsion system (electric motor, battery, fuel cell and hydrogen tank) maintaining a low center of gravity and a balanced distribution. of weight to promote performance and efficiency.

The prototype measures 4.80 meters long and 1.52 m wide, with a wheelbase of 2.90 meters, and a weight of 1.750 kgincluding batteries. This means it weighs less than most hybrid SUVs or electric vehicles of similar size.

The design is also the result of aerodynamic optimization, thanks to the collaboration of the BWT Alpine F1 team. In Renault Embleme, for example, the exterior rear-view mirror is replaced by two cameras integrated into the wheel arches, with windshield wipers hidden under the hood and door handles recessed into the body.

Two flaps on the hood and two air vents on the bumper channel airflow to the windshield and behind the wheels, respectively. While the flat Formula 1-inspired design is enhanced by an active diffuser, which tilts down and back to balance airflow and minimize aerodynamic drag.

The person in charge of moving the wheels of the Embleme is an electric motor of 218 horsepower (160 kW), powered by a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows it to travel several hundred kilometers. According to Renault, it is lighter, more economical, less bulky and more environmentally friendly than that used in a long-range family electric vehicle.

For its part, the 30 kW PEMFC fuel cell runs on low-carbon hydrogen through a 2.8 kilo tank, providing the energy needed for long journeys, with a maximum efficiency of around 60%.

This configuration allows the Emblème to cover a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers without recharging the battery, although making two stops of less than five minutes to refuel with hydrogen and achieve a range of 350 kilometers (with each recharge).

Renault highlights that on a typical journey between Paris and Marseille (800 kilometers), 75% of the electricity consumed by the vehicle is produced by the fuel cell, with no emissions other than the agua.