With the exception of Honda , most automakers have moved away from the notion that hydrogen fuel cells are the future of motoring. So it comes as no surprise Renault is abandoning its hydrogen program. But what might come as a shock is the company’s decision to scrap hybrid development as well. That’s because Renault will now focus entirely on BEVs — battery-powered electric vehicles — instead.
Renault, the French half of the Renault- Nissan alliance, aims to make one third of its model lineup pure-electric within the next decade. Moreover, the automaker says it will have three BEVs on the market by 2011. The electric models will include a Kangoo van, a Clio-sized five-door hatchback, and a large sedan, COO Patrick Pelata told Autocar.
All three models will use lithium-ion batteries from NEC, although the specific battery chemistry and specs were not disclosed. All models will have a range of at least 100 miles, but expect larger vehicles to have more range.
Renault and Nissan have toyed with the idea of making their future electric cars compatible with the Better Place battery swapping network, but it’s not known if the production cars will feature this capability. Rapid-charge capable batteries or higher-density energy storage units both threaten this model.
While the specifics still need to be worked out, it’s clear where Renault is headed. What remains to be seen is whether Nissan will follow the same path. With Carlos Ghosn as the helm of both companies, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear a similar announcement from Nissan.
