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DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES

Alternative energies will in the near-future be vital to reduce our dependence on oil. Renault is committed to actively pursuing the introduction of alternative energies on the market. Some are already in use while others are still being studied; all of them are at the heart of Renault's innovation programs.

Biofuels 

Biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas, made from plant matter (colza, sunflower, beet), are an excellent alternative to conventional fossil fuels, With extremely low CO2 emissions. A full 75% of Renault vehicles sold in Brazil are flexfuel, i.e. running on petrol or ethanol, produced from the country’s abundant sugar cane production. 

 

More and more of these flexfuel vehicles are being developed and launched worldwide (including Renault Mégane 110 hp 1.6 16V E85). Second-generation biofuels even less harmful to the environment will arrive between now and 2015.  

Innovative fossil energy 

Petrol is already being replaced by other fossil energy sources. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), consisting of butane and propane, is widely used in Europe today. Burning this fuel emits fewer CO2 emissions than burning petrol.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) comes from natural deposits. It is less widely used than LPG but has even more impressive environmental credentials.

These two energy sources reduce our dependence on oil and reduce the carbon footprint of vehicle fuel.

Hybrids  

Renault is developing hybrid prototypes, combining a combustion engine with an electric motor. This technology cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Renault revealed the hybrid Ondelios concept car at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

 

Towards zero emissions 

The Renault Nissan Alliance is at the cutting edge of electric vehicles. To achieve the zero-emissions objective, the Group plans to launch an electric car in 2011 and a fuel-cell vehicle afterwards.