Driving an electric or hybrid vehicle sounds good, but where do I start?
You want to go electric but which powertrain is right for you?
Renault is here to help, explaining everything you need to know about hybrid and electric driving.
Feeling electrified by less trips to the petrol station(1) or producing less CO2 emissions(2) but worried there's not an electric car to suit your needs? Follow our guide to hybrid and electric driving and get all the information you need to make the right choice.
At Renault, we have extensive expertise in electric technology. With the launch of Renault Zoe E-Tech 100% electric 12 years ago and now with a total of 34,000 100% electric Renault vehicles in circulation* we’re always pushing to do things differently – to revolutionise the way we make our cars. However, we understand that going from an internal combustion engine to 100% electric overnight is not a simple swap.
E-Tech 100% electric or E-Tech full hybrid?
who is 100% electric for?
It’s for those who want a car that produces zero exhaust emissions(1) and don’t want to refuel with petrol. It’s also for those who want to experience quieter and smoother driving compared to an equivalent vehicle with an internal combustion engine. But it’s a committed choice that requires some changes in behaviour.
which vehicles are electric at Renault?
We’ve made models for every need and use from city cars to family cars and utility vehicles. These include Renault Megane E-Tech as well as Renault Scenic E-Tech and upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech.
Renault, an electric specialist
At Renault, we choose to design our electric models exclusively, from Renault Zoe to the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric. This allows us to develop advanced technologies specifically designed for electric vehicles.
so, who is hybrid technology for?
who are hybrids for ?
For those who prefer a midway solution, for example driving in the city and making trips with the help of electric mode whilst still having the help of a petrol engine when needed.
Not all hybrids are the same. What sets them apart is the size of their battery (kWh), the power of their electric motor (kW) and whether you need to plug them in to charge them.
which type of hybrid should you choose?
we will help you choose the one that’s right for you
It is not easy to find your way in the jungle of hybrids. At Renault, we have decided to keep things simple. There are just three hybrid powertrains to know about. What makes them different is the size of the battery (kWh), the power of the electric motor (kW) and each vehicle’s possibility of driving in electric mode for a long time. The plug-in hybrid vehicle has the biggest battery and needs to be recharged on a regular basis. On the other hand, self-charging hybrids (full hybrid and mild hybrid), primarily use regenerative braking (recapturing kinetic energy) to charge their battery autonomously.
let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each of these technologies
E-Tech full hybrid
The E-Tech full hybrid technology converts the energy recovered during
braking (called kinetic energy) to self-charge a powerful battery (400V),
meaning you don't plug it in. It reduces petrol consumption compared to an equivalent vehicle with an internal combustion engine(1) and can be a useful solution for those who are not yet ready for all-electric.
What makes the technology genuinely hybrid is that the battery and
electric motor can power the vehicle. This way you have two sources of energy: electric and thermal, which ensures you keep moving.
E-Tech plug-in hybrid
The plug-in hybrid has a 9.8 kWh battery, compared with 1.2 kWh for a hybrid car. The higher capacity battery in the plug-in hybrid car can store more energy, allowing you to cover greater distances in full electric mode. To maximise efficiency, it is best to plug in whenever the battery is depleted but this is not essential.
With two electric engines, a combustion engine, and an electric battery, you can drive in full electric mode or use the hybrid transmission. The electric engine is used exclusively during start-up and the vehicle switches to hybrid based on the driving conditions. In any case, the switch gives you the freedom to choose your preferred driving mode.
Renault hybrid expertise
At Renault, we choose to build on the development of efficient technologies. Instead of “superficial” hybrids, our truly cutting-edge technologies are solidly based on expertise, honed on the demanding Formula 1 race circuits. This expertise allows the E-Tech full hybrid range to drive in 100% electric mode with a total driving range of up to 683 miles(3). Offering significant fuel economy (up to 40%(2)) and reduced tailpipe emissions, this technology is easy and useful for anyone who is not yet ready to go all-electric.
(2) based on WLTP fuel consumption figures for Renault Austral hybrid (available in the UK) vs Renault Austral mild hybrid (available in France). Real world results may vary.
(3) internal source. based on a full tank on Austral Iconic Esprit Alpine vs WLTP fuel consumption. real world driving results may vary.
Ready to join the electric revolution?
At Renault, we understand it can be a big shift to transition to 100% electric, which is why we developed two complete ranges so that everyone can go at their own speed: Renault E-Tech 100% electric range includes Renault Megane, Renault Kangoo, Renault Master, Renault Scenic and upcoming Renault 5. E-Tech full hybrid range consists of Renault Clio, Renault Captur, Renault Arkana, Renault Austral, and upcoming Renault Rafale.
Rather than taking a generic approach to the two ranges, we have designed our cars specifically based on their engine technologies to optimise their weight, efficiency, and performance, so you'll find an electric or hybrid car to perfectly suit your needs.
E-Tech at Renault is the 100% electric range with Zoe, Megane, Kangoo, Master upcoming Scenic, R5 and all commercial vehicles. E-Tech is also the E-Tech full hybrid range with Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral and soon Rafale. Visit a retailer to find out more.
(1)Based on WLTP mpg figures for the Renault hybrid range at 57.6-67.3mpg compared to the Renault petrol range at 47.9-54.3mpg.Real driving results may vary.
(2)The official CO2 emissions for the Renault range (electric, hybrid and petrol) are 0-133g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
*34,458 Renault electric vehicles sales in the UK between 2012-2023. Figures are correct at the time of publishing.
