Hydrogen Test Lab for Lower Carbon Family Car

Renault has taken a significant step forward in the development of sustainable, low-carbon technologies with the creation of a new vehicle platform designed for the next generation of family cars. Known as Emblème, this project builds upon the exploratory studies initiated by Renault with the Scenic Vision concept back in 2022. The primary objective of Emblème is to produce a working prototype of a family car that significantly reduces its carbon footprint across the entire vehicle life cycle.

The Emblème demo car, developed by Renault’s Ampere electric vehicle subsidiary, is a remarkable achievement in terms of sustainability. It boasts a dual-energy electric powertrain located under the rear floor, which is powered by a combination of electricity and hydrogen. This innovative design allows the car to emit 90% less greenhouse gases (CO2 equivalent) over its entire life cycle compared to a 2019 baseline.

One of the key highlights of the Emblème project is the focus on eco-design and the selection of resources. The design of the car has enabled a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint associated with the production of all parts. Additionally, 50% of the materials used in the construction of the car are recycled, and almost all materials are recyclable at the end of their service life. Engineers and designers collaborated closely to optimize aerodynamics and energy efficiency, resulting in a vehicle that is both environmentally friendly and technologically advanced.

Life cycle analysis (LCA) plays a crucial role in evaluating the environmental impact of the Emblème project. This analysis considers various stages, including raw material extraction, component production, vehicle assembly, transport, use, maintenance, and recycling. By conducting a comprehensive LCA, the Renault Group can accurately assess the overall consumption of its vehicles over a span of 200,000 km and 15 years.

The Emblème project sets a challenging target of just 5 tonnes of CO2eq emissions from cradle to grave, representing a 90% reduction compared to conventional vehicles. This target has been meticulously calculated and verified by independent experts from IFPEN. The project encompasses the entire life cycle of the car, from the supply of raw materials and manufacturing to its usage on the road and eventual recycling. Notably, seven materials and components have been identified as accounting for 90% of the car’s carbon footprint, including the battery, steel, aluminium, polymers, electronic components, tyres, fuel cell, and tank.