Renault Embleme is a hydrogen-powered EV with 1,000km range
Renault has unveiled its latest concept vehicle, the Embleme, a hydrogen-fueled coupe-SUV set to hit the roads by 2030. The car showcases how hydrogen fuel cell technology can significantly reduce emissions while maintaining long-range capabilities. The Embleme is expected to emit 90% less lifetime emissions than today's petrol Captur and even 80% fewer emissions than the Megane BEV.
Embleme's powertrain and battery specifications
The Embleme is equipped with a hydrogen-fueled range-extender powertrain, similar to its predecessor, the Scenic Vision. This system combines a 30kW fuel cell with a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. Unlike other hydrogen vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo that have batteries smaller than 2kWh, the Embleme is designed to minimize its fuel cell usage.
Embleme's unique energy usage strategy
In the Embleme, battery power is primarily used for city driving while hydrogen is consumed to replenish its reserves as needed. Renault claims that this system would enable the Embleme to cover 1,000km in the same time as a current ICE car, assuming two five-minute stops to refill its 2.8kg hydrogen tank. On a journey from Paris to Marseille (roughly 800km), some 75% of the electricity used would come from hydrogen.
Embleme's platform and powertrain possibilities
The Embleme is built on the Ampr Medium platform used for the Megane and Scenic BEVs. This suggests that a production version of the Embleme could eventually arrive with an electric powertrain. The vehicle is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, which delivers 215hp. Renault claims that the Embleme weighs 1,750kg, making it around 100kg lighter than the Scenic.
Embleme's aerodynamic design and emission reduction
Aerodynamics were a key focus in the Embleme's design, with Renault incorporating methods and equipment from the Alpine Formula 1 team. Features like cameras replacing drag-inducing mirrors and a sealed flat underside with an active diffuser contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. Renault claims a drag coefficient of 0.25 for the Embleme, significantly better than the Megane's 0.29. This design efficiency contributes to a lifetime carbon emissions figure of five tons, down from the predicted 24-ton for the Megane.
