Renault promises a radically different new family of electric cars from 2028

Renault has big ambitions. The French brand plans to launch a new range of electric cars by 2028 and promises that it will be so different in terms of efficiency, charging, durability and functionality, that it will ” catch up with two generations at once ».

By presenting the Renault Emblème during the Paris Motor Show, the diamond brand wanted to give a taste of what its future models could look like. The concept shares some serious clues about what we can expect from the French manufacturer's upcoming electric vehicles. Elegant lines and optimized silhouette, a minimalist interior and an innovative powertrain.

The Emblem will have no technical link with the R4, R5 and Scénic

Indeed, with the Emblem, Renault combines a hydrogen fuel cell and a battery electric motor. If certain brands unveil concepts only to share their vision, the boss of Renault suggested that it could see the light of day. “ If you know me at all, you know that every time I put something on the table, I like to follow through “, he clarified.

It must be recognized that Renault's latest concepts, the R5 and Scénic, were produced relatively unchanged. Luca de Meo added that the Emblem would be based on a “ revolutionary next-generation C-segment platform “. This means that the vehicle will have no technical link with the R4, R5, Mégane and Scénic marketed today and based on the Ampr platform.

He added that he is “ essential to continue to invest massively in electric vehicles, even if sales growth slows in Europe ». M. de Meo believes that “ electrification is the future, whatever the short-term obstacles “. Before specifying that there is “ scientifically no doubt » on the fact that an electric car has a lower carbon footprint than a thermal vehicle.

Soon a new generation of batteries at Renault

Among the major revolutions to come at Renault, there will be the development of a new generation of batteries. The manufacturer promises packs that are much more energy dense and less expensive. They will combine the energy density of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), the cost and safety of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), and a charging time of less than 15 minutes », According to the French brand.

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From 2026, Renault will replace the batteries of its consumer electric vehicles with LFP packs, which will reduce costs by 20% and have no impact on range. Secondly, by 2028, the firm will increase this cost reduction to 50% (compared to today). This will be achieved through the introduction of new chemistry combining a cobalt-free cathode and a silicon anode.

According to Renault engineers, “ 25-40% of battery costs are related to integration costs (i.e. the case and how it is mounted in the chassis) “. Subsequently, the brand will seek to “ double the energy density of its NMC packs » by replacing the silicon anode with a lithium metal alternative. An innovation that will introduce solid-state technology.

Reducing the carbon footprint of cars and activities

Among the manufacturer's other major objectives is a desire to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its cars and its activities. An ambition symbolized by the Emblème concept, whose carbon footprint from cradle to grave is only 5 tonnes of CO2, compared to 50 tonnes for a 2024 petrol Renault Captur. To decarbonise its vehicles, the firm has several serious avenues .

Questioned by our colleagues atAutocarCléa Martinet, responsible for sustainable development within the company, believes that it depends on “ low-carbon energy supply, optimizing factory efficiency and extracting materials as low-impact as possible “. These are all objectives that Renault will strive to achieve by 2028.