In November 2007, Renault entered an eco²-labelled Logan Concept in the Michelin-organised Challenge Bibendum, demonstrating that a car could be both 'ecological and economical' without stinting on performance or equipment.

Renault has maintained its commitment with the unveiling of TCe 130, Powertrain Engineering’s latest innovation in downsized engines.

Renault’s long-standing efforts have made it one of Europe’s three most carbon-efficient car manufacturers. Its achievements in CO₂ reduction are paramount, but it considers that it is just as critical to curb pollutant emissions. The NOx Trap unveiled at the Environment Workshop is proof of its efforts to counter pollution.

In 2006, Renault announced that as part of the Renault Commitment 2009 growth plan it would test vehicles powered by fuel cells derived from the Alliance’s advanced technology. In keeping with that pledge, Renault has now taken the wraps off its EV prototype Scenic ZEV H2, which it plans to test. Powered by a fuel cell, the ZEV H2 emits nothing more harmful than water vapour.

TOWARDS ZERO EMISSION

At the end of 2007, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn spoke of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s "zero-emission ambition". The ambition rests primarily on the mass-marketing of EVs in Israel and Denmark by 2011 under the terms of a partnership with Project Better Place, a company that builds networks of battery charging facilities. More markets could follow.

In the longer term, Renault and Nissan are considering developing EVs powered by fuel cells. Renault has now taken the wraps off its EV prototype Scenic ZEV H2, which emits nothing more harmful than water vapour.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance’s longer-term outlook focuses on continuing work on EV prototypes powered by fuel cells. Though they offer significant gains in range they are more complex to mass-produce and mass-market. Rolling out such breakthrough technology requires production, transportation, and distribution infrastructure – there are less than 300 filling stations worldwide in 2008. A further requirement is reducing the cost price of fuel cells, particularly by using less precious metal.

Derived from Grand Scénic, the ZEV H2 is a joint Alliance project. Nissan has supplied the fuel cells stack, the high-pressure hydrogen tank, and lithium-ion batteries. Renault’s engineers have repackaged Grand Scénic so that its underbody can incorporate the fuel stack, tank and batteries. They have redesigned the floor and raised the vehicle’s ground clearance by a further 60 mm. They have also managed to keep the vehicle’s initial spaciousness (five adult seats), which is a first in fuel cell prototypes.

Renault’s Vehicle Engineering have also incorporated Renault’s and Nissan’s electric and electronic systems. The fuel cell in itself is a relatively self-sufficient electronic system which was designed by Nissan to communicate with vehicle components and features like the dashboard, ABS/ESP, climate control, and airbags. All perform to the maximum of their original capacity.