The motoring world sees technological innovations every few years, and the industry is in a gradual transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to battery-powered vehicles. The future of transportation is predicted to go all-electric and global manufacturers have now pledged to embrace the sustainability concept by the end of the decade. While electric cars are futuristic, Renault has cleverly developed their all-new Scenic Vision Concept Vehicle. The principle is that along with batteries, the concept shall also come with a hydrogen fuel cell that shall play the role of a range extender.
The Renault Scenic has been in the market for quite some time and was sold initially as an MPV. Now it has been showcased as the Scenic Vision, an electric crossover with some advanced technology to make everyday electric mobility more convenient.
Renault Scenic Vision Concept: Vision Of The Future
Renault transformed their Scenic MPV into the all-new scenic vision crossover. One of the biggest visual differences is the bigger and boxy size of the electric crossover instead of the smooth and curvy MPV that it previously was. The first Scenic Concept car was launched nearly 25 years ago and was one of the best-designed vehicles of its time. The styling of the all-new concept is in line with the company’s lineup. The automobile’s upfront daytime running lights are designed similar to the Renault logo, and the front grille embosses small Renault badges.
Its side view is boisterous, bold, and gigantic. The crossover is quite hefty and weighs about 3,747-lbs; however, considering that it is 176.7 inches long, 74.8-inches wide, and 62.6-inches tall, the overall weight is justified. Coming to the wheels, they are quirky and designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and marginally extend range, adding to their functionality. Upon sudden braking, the flaps would open up, allowing the brakes to cool down faster. At the back, the vehicle features 3D lighting, which looks like a piece of art. The carmaker’s logo on the boot lid changes color and shall also flicker in an emergency braking situation to alert other drivers. The overall design is very clean and futuristic.
Renault Scenic Vision Concept: Driven By Sustainability
As the world moves towards sustainability, automobile companies are now focusing on becoming carbon-neutral. This means not just a reduction in the emissions but also helping the environment by using sustainable and recyclable materials. Renault ensured that the Scenic Vision is built either using recycled materials, or materials that can be recycled.
The company claims that it will consist of 70 percent recycled material when the vehicle is in production. Overall, 95 percent of all parts used on the car can be recycled even further. Carbon elements on the exterior and interior are made out of recycled carbon fiber previously used on airplanes.
Renault’s Bespoke Hydrogen and Electric Power Plant
Transportation accounts for nearly 23 percent of the carbon dioxide emission worldwide, and from this, 45 percent comes from passenger vehicles. Renault has been spearheading the transition toward all-electric cars for the past ten years in Europe. The company is also looking to eliminate the range of anxiety issues associated with most EVs. The Renault Scenic Vision Concept will be powered by a bespoke hybrid powertrain consisting, one that other automakers may not have thought of. It's the French being revolutionary with the automobile once again. Instead of a traditional plug-in hybrid with a gas-powered engine, the Scenic Vision is an electric car that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender.
The vehicle comprises a small battery pack up front and a small hydrogen fuel cell at the vehicle's rear. The car has all the benefits of an electric vehicle, including instant acceleration, minimal cabin noise, and zero tail pipe carbon emissions. The hydrogen fuel cell at the back does the job of charging the batteries as the vehicle is driven, and drivers only have to take halts to top up the fuel cell with hydrogen, or charge the batteries like you would normally do on an electric car. Although this technology is still in its testing phase, Renault is confident that they can bring it to the production stage in soon.
Renault's Commitment To Safety And Tech
The Scenic Vision features the first of its kind facial recognition system on the door, which detects users' faces and accordingly sets the driving position and the climate control. Renault offers suicide doors to enable effortless ingress and egress in terms of practicality. Talking about doors, the engineer’s implemented an ingenious idea of adding dichroic surfaces on the doors and dashboard. So, the car design is such that when light hits it from different angles, different shades of colors come to life.
Instead of having multiple screens and a digital driver's display, it will use one large screen placed precisely where the dashboard meets the windshield, resulting in 24% better visibility for the driver. Renault takes safety to a whole another level by offering features never seen before in the industry. Every headrest is embedded with a mic and speaker, allowing the driver and occupants to communicate effortlessly. There also happens to be a camera in the headrest of the driver’s seat, which will provide a live feed of everything happening behind so that drivers do not have to take their eyes off the road to communicate with rear seated passengers.
Overall the Renault Scenic Vision is an evolutionary concept with some very interesting French quirks and approach to cars. The company's focus on sustainability is commendable, and the bespoke hybrid hydrogen-electric power plant is one that can change the landscape and offer a different solution to perfecting the future of sustainable electric mobility.
Source: Renault