Renault’s EOLAB prototype is a vehicle for change
Two innovations based on its EOLAB prototype are scheduled to appear in production cars this year, and Renault has three longer-term approaches to low-fuel consumption and low-emissions mobility.
Renault’s Co-operative Innovations Laboratory (LCI) — a think-tank that unites engineers, designers and customer-survey specialists — gave a behind-the-scenes peek at how Renault’s powertrains and propulsion systems might evolve.
Renault has developed a new, more efficient and more compact electric motor, and a new, turbocharged petrol engine adapted for use with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), both of which are scheduled for introduction next year. Longer term, Renault and its partners are looking at a mild, hybrid diesel prototype (HYDIVU project), a diminutive two-stroke diesel engine (POWERFUL project) and a small, electric delivery vehicle, based on the Twizy (VELUD project), as the basis for clean, low-cost urban mobility.
The new, compact electric motor — designed and made entirely by Renault — delivers similar performance to those in use today, but is 10% smaller. It is a synchronous unit with a wound rotor and delivers 65kW (88hp) and 220Nm of torque. It was designed by Renault’s motor engineers in France and manufactured in Renault’s Cléon plant.
Also, Renault’s new, dual-fuel petrol/LPG engine promises 25% lower fuel bills and 10% lower CO2 emissions than a comparable, petrol-only power unit. It is a three-cylinder engine featuring a turbocharger, engine Stop&Start, brake energy recovery and an eco-mode, and it complies with EU6 emissions regulations.
These technologies realise a fuel-consumption reduction of 20% compared to a previous-generation LPG engine. The entire powertrain is fitted at the factory, complete with its LPG kit.
The ‘HYDIVU’ (hybrid diesel for LCVs) research prototype aims to reduce fuel consumption and, therefore, running costs for high-mileage business users. It is based on the Master van, powered by Renault’s ENERGY dCi 165 twin turbo diesel engine, and has been engineered in conjunction with a number of European partners.
It integrates a 48-volt (10-12kW) starter motor and alternator-type electric motor mounted on the gearbox to deliver additional torque and to reduce the load on the combustion engine.
The power unit also features what Renault calls ‘downspeeding’ — longer gear ratios that reduce engine revolutions when cruising to lower fuel consumption. Significant levels of torque are available from just 1,000rpm, and driveability is consistent across the rev band.
These three technologies result in a fuel consumption reduction of up to 10% over long distances.
Elsewhere, the new, ‘Powerul’, two-stroke, two-cylinder super-charged and turbo-charged diesel engine is only half the size of Renault’s 1.5-litre dCi diesel, weighs 40kg less, and is ideal for small-vehicle platforms. This 730cc unit is both super-charged and turbo-charged and produces between 35kW and 50kW (48 bhp-68 bhp), with 112-145Nm of torque from 1,500rpm.
Initial tests are said to be encouraging, although Renault says performance needs to be improved. The engine is being developed with 18 industrial, scientific, and academic partners in France, Spain and the Czech Republic, with investment from the EU.
With urban deliveries in mind, Renault has produced its ‘VELUD’ (Electric Vehicle for Sustainable Urban Logistics) project, based on the Twizy, in conjunction with a number of academic and civic partners. It is intended as a ‘final miles’ solution to take cargo loaded into a small trailer from pre-defined zones to their final delivery point, using intelligent fleet management.
