Renault plans new EV strategy focusing on EREV and 800V

Strategic Realignment by 2030

Renault is realigning its long-term product strategy, focusing more on electrification in various forms. With the "futuREady" program, the group aims to establish itself as one of the leading European manufacturers globally by 2030.

A broad model offensive is at the heart of this strategy: A total of 36 new vehicles worldwide are planned. Of these, 22 models will be introduced in Europe, with 16 being purely electric. In addition to classic battery electric vehicles (BEV), Renault also plans to expand Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREV) as well as hybrid and internal combustion engine models.

Basis for Success and Market Dynamics

The current strategy builds on recent successes. Models like the Renault 5 and the Renault 4 have performed well in the European market and were among the best-selling electric cars last year.

With the upcoming Renault Twingo as a compact city car, this development is set to continue. The vehicle primarily targets urban users looking for an affordable yet characterful electric car.

New Platform for Greater Range

A central component of the future model range is a newly developed vehicle architecture. The platform, designated RGEV medium 2.0, is based on 800-volt technology and will be used in several vehicle classes.

This technical foundation is intended to enable ranges of up to 750 kilometers (WLTP). At the same time, significantly faster charging performance is aimed for: Renault plans that batteries will be able to be significantly recharged within approximately 10 minutes in the future.

Furthermore, the platform is flexibly designed. It supports both classic electric drives and EREV concepts, where an additional generator extends the range. According to the manufacturer, such vehicles could achieve total ranges of up to 1,400 kilometers.

Different Battery Concepts Depending on Segment

Renault pursues a differentiated battery strategy that is tailored to the respective vehicle classes. Models in higher segments are to be equipped with more powerful cell chemistries, while more affordable vehicles will rely on more cost-efficient solutions.

For smaller vehicles in the A and B segments, however, 400-volt technology remains relevant. Here, the focus is on a balanced relationship between price and charging performance, with a noticeable recharge expected to be possible within approximately 20 minutes.

There is also differentiation in cell types: High-end models could rely on NMC technology, while more affordable variants are likely to receive LFP batteries.

New Generation of Electric Motors

Parallel to battery technology, Renault is developing a new generation of powertrains. The third generation of electric motors is based on an externally excited synchronous motor (EESM) and does not require rare earths.

The technical improvements are significant: The new motor is expected to achieve an efficiency of 93% at highway speeds, while offering 25% more power and being 20% more cost-effective than previous systems. With an output of approximately 275 HP, it will be usable for both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive.

Competition with Global Manufacturers

With this comprehensive realignment, Renault is responding to the growing pressure from international competitors, especially from China. The goal is to catch up or even lead in technology, cost structure, and development speed.

A key lever here is the shortening of development cycles. Instead of the usual four years, new models are to be brought to market readiness within approximately two years in the future.

This acceleration applies to all new projects across the group and is intended to enable faster reactions to market changes and technological trends.

Outlook for the Coming Years

With its new strategy, Renault clearly positions itself as a provider of a wide range of electrified vehicles. The combination of new platforms, more efficient powertrains, and differentiated battery approaches is intended to create competitive advantages in both the volume and premium segments.

Whether these ambitious goals will be achieved largely depends on how quickly the new technologies can be transferred to production vehicles and how demand develops in the individual markets. However, it is clear that electrification and flexibility will play a central role in the product strategy in the future.

Further reading: Renault plans 16 new electric cars in Europe by 2030