French Car Giant Reveals it will Ditch plug-in Hybrids

In a significant shift towards electrification, Renault, the renowned French car manufacturer, has announced it will phase out plug-in hybrid models to prioritize full hybrids and electric vehicles.

In a bold move, French car giant Renault has announced it will ditch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, opting instead to focus on conventional self-charging hybrids. According to This Is Money, this decision comes as part of Renault’s strategy to transition towards fully electric vehicles (EVs) ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel models.

Renault’s CEO, Fabrice Cambolive, told Autocar that the company has decided to “bet on full hybrid” cars, which he believes are the easiest way to achieve low-consumption vehicles and prepare customers for the eventual shift to EVs. This move sets Renault apart from other manufacturers like Volvo and Volkswagen, who have continued to invest in PHEV technology, says This Is Money.

Currently, Renault offers just one PHEV model, the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 SUV, which combines three electric motors with a 1.2-litre petrol engine to produce 66 miles of EV-only range from a 22kWh battery. However, Cambolive stated that Renault has no plans to adapt this PHEV setup to other models, leaving the Rafale as the lone plug-in option, says AutoCar.

The decision to focus on full hybrids over PHEVs is driven by the belief that full hybrids provide a more efficient and practical solution for consumers, according to Cars Guide. Cambolive highlighted that full hybrids offer an EV-like experience at low speeds without requiring plug-in charging, making them a more convenient option for drivers.

Renault’s shift away from PHEVs is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry as manufacturers prepare for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. The UK government is currently consulting on what types of new hybrids will be allowed beyond the 2030 ban, with experts predicting that only PHEVs will be permitted due to their longer electric-only ranges.

Despite the government’s plans, some critics argue that restricting the availability of all new hybrid cars from 2030 could hinder the transition to EVs and make it more difficult to achieve net-zero emissions. Renault’s decision to focus on full hybrids is seen as a way to address these concerns while still moving towards a fully electrified future.

The move by Renault also reflects the company’s assessment of the practical limitations of PHEVs, says Cars Guide. Cambolive noted that PHEVs consume more energy when the battery is empty, which is a significant drawback compared to full hybrids, says This is Money. By focusing on full hybrids, Renault aims to provide a more efficient and sustainable solution for its customers.

Renault’s strategy aligns with the broader industry trend towards electrification. Other manufacturers, such as Hyundai-owned Genesis, have also announced plans to phase out internal combustion engines and transition to fully electric lineups. Genesis has committed to becoming a fully electrified brand in the UK by the end of 2025, phasing out any petrol and diesel-powered cars that remain in stock, according to This is Money.

As Renault continues to develop its full hybrid and EV offerings, the company remains committed to providing low-consumption vehicles that prepare customers for the eventual shift to fully electric cars. The decision to ditch PHEVs is a strategic move that reflects Renault’s vision for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Picture of jamjar.com

jamjar.com

Sell your car with jamjar - Get instant offers now.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Car Buying:

Popular:

EV:

Read More

More Articles