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SCENIC ZEV H2 PROTOTYPE

The electric fuel-cell vehicle is the spearhead of the Renault Nissan Alliance's "zero emission" objective. This promising technology is 100% clean and, offers the same autonomy as traditional cars.

What is a fuel-cell car? 

Scenic ZEV H2
A fuel-cell car is an electric car that produces electricity onboard and requires no exterior electric recharge. The electricity is produced by an onboard fuel cell powered by a fuel source – hydrogen – stored in a tank.  

How does a fuel cell work? 

The hydrogen stored in the tank is combined with atmospheric oxygen through a polymer membrane. The two gases combine to produce water, the only emission of Scenic ZEV H2, and give off electric energy and heat. This electricity powers the vehicle motor.  

Scenic ZEV H2 prototype: a Renault-Nissan innovation 

A prototype based on Grand Scenic co-developed by Renault and Nissan

Nissan developed the fuel cell, the high-pressure hydrogen tank and the lithium-ion battery. Renault engineers adapted the architecture of Grand Scenic to accommodate the new components, modifying the floor and raising ground clearance by 60 mm. Renault also adapted some components to the vehicle’s new drivetrain.    

 

Unrivalled driving pleasure

The silent Scenic ZEV H2 prototype accelerates with gusto and offers the same driving sensations as an electric vehicle.

The fuel-cell adaptations have in no way impinged on the car's initial roominess (5 adult seats), which is a first for a fuel-cell vehicle.

Is the fuel-cell car the vehicle of the future? 

In the longer term, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is looking at large-scale fuel-cell car development. But for now, this breakthrough technology is complex to produce and sell. Roll-out requires:

 

  • a hydrogen production, transport and distribution infrastructure (fewer than 300 stations in the world in 2008),
  • lower-priced fuel cells.

 

This is a challenge that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is committed to taking on in the coming years.

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