Renault and its renowned Ampere division have truly outdone themselves with the Emblème concept car. This remarkable vehicle represents a groundbreaking approach to electric vehicles in their pursuit of decarbonizing the auto industry. The Emblème is an EV-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid that not only offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions but also embodies the essence of what Ampere aims to achieve through decarbonization technology development. "Renault's Emblème: Redefining Electric Mobility with 90% Carbon Reduction"
Ampere's Answer to Decarbonization
Renault's Ampere sub-brand, responsible for the European EV program from development to production, was formed in 2023 as an autonomous entity. It takes a holistic approach to emissions, considering every aspect of a vehicle's lifespan, from eco-design to end-of-life disposal. The Emblème concept, debuted at the Mondial de l’Auto 2024, was designed with this comprehensive perspective in mind. When Ampere claims that the Emblème emits 90% less carbon than comparable fossil fuel vehicles, it encompasses the entire lifecycle, from conception to recycling. This is a significant step forward in decarbonization, as few manufacturers consider emissions from such a broad standpoint. 2: Ampere's focus on decarbonization extends beyond just the vehicle itself. It involves optimizing every stage of the production process and material sourcing to minimize environmental impact. By using low-carbon steel, plastics, and aluminum, along with sustainably sourced battery materials, the Emblème sets a new standard for sustainable vehicle production.Renault's Low-Carbon Mobility Journey
Renault Group and Ampere CEO Luca De Meo praised the marque's fresh concept. "Emblème embodies our ecosystem approach and the level of our ambition when it comes to building a sustainable future through technological innovation. It embodies the future Design Language of the Renault brand. An average ICE car has a 50 tons footprint: for Emblème, it’s 5 tons, cradle to grave. It’s a masterpiece." As the transport industry undergoes a transformation in response to climate change, Renault is rising to the challenge, with an ambitious goal of carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. Ampere aims to achieve the European target by 2035, driven by its specialized intelligent electric vehicle team. 2: Renault's commitment to low-carbon mobility is not just a slogan but a comprehensive strategy. The company is investing in research and development to continuously improve the efficiency and sustainability of its vehicles. The Emblème is a testament to this commitment, showcasing the potential of electric-hydrogen hybrid technology in achieving significant carbon reductions.How the Emblème Achieves 90% Reduced Carbon Status
The Emblème's "cradle-to-grave" status as 90% lower in carbon than comparable fossil fuel vehicles begins with the materials used in production. By avoiding traditional materials like high-carbon steel and opting for low-carbon alternatives, Ampere significantly reduces carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The battery, made of sustainably sourced sulfate and nickel, further contributes to the overall reduction in carbon footprint. 2: In terms of the drivetrain, the Emblème utilizes a 160 kW electric system powered by a 40 kWh battery and a hydrogen fuel cell. This combination allows the vehicle to operate like an EV on shorter trips while using hydrogen to extend the range and reduce charging times on longer journeys. The smaller 40 kWh battery, weighing only 291kg, makes the Emblème lighter than comparable vehicles with larger 87 kWh units, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.Ampere's Plans for Hydrogen in Trucks
Ampere has ambitious plans to apply its new technology to trucks. By introducing hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the company believes it can stimulate demand from the long-haulage sector and contribute to the decarbonization of the transportation industry. Although the Emblème concept may not go into production, it serves as a blueprint for the future of sustainable mobility. 2: The integration of hydrogen technology in trucks has the potential to revolutionize the long-haul sector, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Ampere's focus on this area shows its commitment to addressing the challenges of decarbonization across different vehicle segments.Although the Emblème may not become a mainstream production vehicle, it represents a significant step forward in the quest for 90% carbon reduction. Renault and Ampere's well-thought-out strategy gives hope for a more sustainable future in the automotive industry.
