New Renault Emblème concept previews a hydrogen-powered future

• New hydrogen-powered family car concept
• Range of up to 620 miles
• No word on production yet

Renault is set to make full use of the Paris Motor Show this year to showcase its plans for an emissions-free future, and the new Renault Emblème concept is taking centre stage. The futuristic four-door will be presented alongside the upcoming Renault 4, although the two cars approach the challenge of a zero-emissions family car very differently.

While the Renault 4 will hit showrooms early next year, the Emblème concept looks at how EV technology could be developed further into the future, using hydrogen technology to boost range. There are styling differences, too; we’re yet to see the Renault 4 fully unveiled, but we know it will sport retro-inspired bodywork, similar to the Renault 5 supermini. The Emblème, on the other hand, takes a bolder, more futuristic approach.

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Renault describes the Emblème as a ‘shooting brake’, which is essentially a sleek estate car. There are some unusual design details, such as the C-shaped crease in the front door, the disc-like wheel design and the angular tail-lights, inspired by the brand’s diamond logo. There’s a subtle family resemblance to the Renault Megane E-Tech, but the Emblème sports some unique aerodynamic touches, designed with some help from the Alpine Formula 1 team. It has a flat floor, cameras in place of wing mirrors and air ducts within the front bumper, all of which control the flow of air and contribute to its slippery shape.

What EV technology does the Emblème use?

Renault is using the Emblème concept to present a novel ‘dual power’ electric powertrain, consisting of an electric motor, battery and hydrogen fuel cell. It’s based on the Amp R Medium platform – the same architecture as the Renault Scenic E-Tech – but swaps that model’s 87kWh battery for a unit that’s less than half its size. While that may sound counterintuitive, the design gives it a significant weight saving without sacrificing long-distance driving capabilities, all thanks to the addition of a small hydrogen fuel cell.

The small 40kWh battery can be recharged conventionally, providing a range of “several hundred kilometres”, which is more than enough for commuting and around-town driving. For longer journeys, the hydrogen fuel cell acts as an onboard generator, providing an additional 217 miles of range for a total of 620 miles. The hydrogen fuel cell can be filled at a station in under five minutes and releases no emissions besides water. Renault sees this combination of a small battery and hydrogen fuel cell as a more versatile alternative to pure battery power, offering a solution to ‘range anxiety’ without the need for a huge battery and long charging times.

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Will the Renault Emblème be put into production?

There’s no word from Renault yet on whether the Emblème will reach production, but it’s using the concept to reaffirm its commitment to the large hatchback and saloon market. With most manufacturers turning their attention towards SUVs instead, Renault’s decision to develop a new generation of large hatchbacks and saloons could be what’s needed to reignite a once popular market. 

BMW has a different view of the future – read about the electric BMW Neue Klasse X…