Highlight
- Renault unveiled a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered sports utility vehicle
- In 2024, a fully electric version will be available
Renault (RENA.PA) unveiled a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered sports utility vehicle (SUV) on Thursday, as the French automaker tries to catch up to competitors in the race to cleaner driving. The car dubbed the ‘Scenic Vision,’ will not be commercially available until 2030-2032, according to Renault.
In 2024, a fully electric version will be available
A fuel cell vehicle has an electric motor similar to an electric vehicle, but the motor is powered by hydrogen-generated electricity, extending the range of the battery.
The car’s range will be extended to 800 kilometers without recharging, and the battery will be twice as light, resulting in a 75 percent reduction in carbon footprint compared to a conventional electric model, according to Renault.
Renault is moving forward with its plans to split its electric vehicle and combustion engine businesses
Renault, which pioneered electric cars with Japan’s Nissan (7201.T) and Mitsubishi (7211.T) at the turn of the decade, has been eclipsed by pure-play Tesla (TSLA.O) and Volkswagen’s (VOWG p.DE) ambitions.
Toyota (7203.T) and Hyundai (005380. KS) both have hydrogen fuel cell cars on the market, while BMW plans to introduce the hydrogen iX5 as a small batch series this year.
