Renault Switches EV Gears, Goes Hybrid

Renault says it will launch its first hybrid-electric model by 2020, thus changing course from an earlier strategy that focused exclusively on electric cars.

The company is considering two possibilities: a mild hybrid drivetrain that uses a small electric motor to save fuel and a plug-in hybrid diesel-electric powertrain with the ability to run moderate distances on electric power alone.

Affordability is a key factor in the decision. Mild hybrids cost considerably less, but a plug-in system would offer more power and the fuel-saving ability to travel in electric mode, Marc Bodin, the director of Renault's powertrain division, tells the French newspaper Les Echos.

Like other carmakers, Renault is looking at hybrid powertrain technology primarily to help it reach its goal of lowering its average carbon dioxide emissions to less than 80 g/km by 2020 15 g/km below the Industrywide target set by the European Union. Last year the region's new-vehicle fleet averaged more than 132 g/km. of CO₂.

Observers say that Renault's interest also is being driven by government incentives in its two biggest markets, France and China, to encourage consumers buy hybrid vehicles.