Renault unveils its electric-hydrogen hybrid concept car, saying that it is one of the options to make EV usage more convenient. As hydrogen can be used, and be made available in the market, it could be a better option with a range of 497 miles (around 800 km). Furthermore, the vehicle has a 2.5-kilogram tank that is located at the vehicle’s front. It is designed with Renault’s Scenic vision to use a hydrogen engine, fuel cell, hydrogen tank, electric motor, and battery.
As per the document that was published on Thursday, the Scenic vision was outlined with a 40-kilowatt-hour battery. It will be produced in France facility by 2024 and is also recyclable. Gilles Vidal, director of design at Renault, said, the concept “prefigures the exterior design of the new Scénic 100% electric model for 2024.” The company said the electric-hydrogen powertrain was “part of a longer-term vision, beyond 2030.”
Another reason behind the hydrogen fuel cell usage is that it could be used for longer trips. Renault said, “In 2030 and beyond, once the network of hydrogen stations is large enough, you will be able to drive up to 800 km [a little over 497 miles] … without stopping to charge the battery,”
Versatile
Described by the International Energy Agency as a “versatile energy carrier,” hydrogen has a diverse range of applications and can be deployed in a wide range of industries. It can be produced in a number of ways. One method includes electrolysis, with electric current splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen. If the electricity used in this process comes from a renewable source such as wind or solar then some call it green or renewable hydrogen.
It’s envisaged that Renault’s hybrid would use green hydrogen, although the vast majority of hydrogen generation is currently based on fossil fuels. Renault’s electric-hydrogen concept illustrates how car companies are looking to find ways to develop low and zero-emission offerings that can compete with the range of gasoline and diesel vehicles.
“Several systems to complement electric motors are being explored today to address the requirements associated with long-distance driving,” Renault said. “Hydrogen technology is one of the options to make electric vehicles more convenient.” In the field of hydrogen mobility, the Renault Group has already set up a joint venture with Plug Power called Hyvia. Among other things, it is focused on hydrogen fuel cells in light commercial vehicles and the rollout of hydrogen charging facilities. Renault’s idea of developing a passenger vehicle that uses hydrogen technology is not unique. Especially as Toyota and other major automakers are also working on it.