As a frontrunner in electric mobility and a major developer of hybrid technologies and complementary solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells, Renault Group invests about €2.3 billion in R&D every year. The majority of these resources is allocated to the development of new low-emissions vehicles, powertrains and batteries. R&D activities support the Group’s goal to launch only all electric or hybrid vehicles under the Renault brand by 2025 (Action #1) and to accelerate the deployment of higher performing, low-carbon and reusable batteries (Action #5). Upstream of vehicle projects, between €100 million and €150 million are allocated each year to research and advanced engineering. A significant share of this spending is earmarked for innovations that are specifically aimed at reducing vehicle emissions (by extending the electric vehicle range), which is a regulatory need, particularly in Europe. Another share is allocated to developing battery services (second-life use and smart charging). These initiatives enhance product attractiveness and are a major factor in reducing Renault’s environmental footprint. The creation of an "Electro pole" in northern France, which was announced in January 2021, will build the Group’s largest electric vehicle manufacturing capacity in the world and further reinforce its competitive edge in this sector.
In electric vehicles, the Group has a decade of experience in design, manufacturing, sales and aftersales, as well as a force of 30,000 employees who have been trained in the specific features of these vehicles. With ZOE, KANGOO Z.E. and MASTER Z.E., as well as TWINGO Z.E. and Dacia SPRING since 2020, it has a comprehensive range of electric vehicles on offer in many countries.
The Group also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies (Action #3), with E-TECH Hybrid for CLIO and E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid for Renault MEGANE, CAPTUR and ARKANA. It plans to deploy natural gas and LPG technologies in Europe and internationally.
Renault is also offering new, complementary solutions based on alternative energies, such as hydrogen fuel cells to equip light commercial vehicles (KANGOO Z.E. HYDROGEN). To reach its goal of leadership in hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles in Europe by 2025 (Action #2), Renault plans to partner with a North American company, Plug Power, the global leader in fuel cell systems and hydrogen-related services. Through an R&D and manufacturing joint venture created in France, the partnership aims to offer turnkey solutions that include decarbonized hydrogen delivery and refueling stations along with fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles.
Increasing demand for alternatives to personal cars is driving the development of new mobility solutions aligned with the global decarbonization strategy.
At the start of 2021, Renault Group launched the Mobilize business unit for sustainable mobility. These new services aim to increase the amount of time a vehicle is actually in use (currently 10%), improve the management of residual value by implementing circular economy principles, and support the Group’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality. The new brand will launch four purpose-designed models for shared mobility in city centers by 2025.
Mobilize will fulfill new mobility needs. For example, it will offer ride-hailing, car sharing, last-mile delivery and on-demand transit. Vehicle use will be charged on a time or mileage basis. Mobilize will also develop an energy ecosystem including facilitated access to charging infrastructure, smart charging solutions, energy storage and battery life cycle management.
