Renault Scenic Vision concept previews electric/hydrogen hybrid and new direction for MPV name

Renault will re-introduce the Scenic name — made famous by the French carmaker’s small MPV — when it introduces a new all-electric family-sized SUV, due to arrive in 2024.

The brand has given an indication of how the new model will look with a first glimpse at the Scenic Vision Concept, which also gives an insight into its wider design and drivetrain plans.

According to lead designer Gilles Vidal the exterior of the Scenic Vision represents “more than 90% of how the production car will look”.

While the interior is pure concept car indulgence, the powertrain technology is more a preview of what Renault thinks it could offer commercially post-2030 and that means a combination of electric and hydrogen power. The concept also hints at a more sustainable manufacturing process - it is made from 70% recycled materials, while 95% of the whole vehicle can be recycled at the end of its lifespan.

Electric and hydrogen: really?

Definitely. But let’s take one step at a time. The Scenic Vision Concept uses a bespoke platform. So far so good. But when the production car arrives in 2024, it will sit on the CMF-EV system used by the smaller Megane E-Tech Electric and larger Nissan Ariya.

What does that mean? Well it’ll be fully electric and house batteries batteries up to 90kWh in size; that would equate to a maximum range of over 300 miles on a full charge based on the specs of the Ariya.

But remember, the concept isn’t just intended to reflect what powertrain will be on sale in two years. Rather it gives us an insight into the next decade.

In “Renault World” that means a one-of-a-kind hybrid powertrain which will use both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology delivering drive to a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 215bhp. In simple terms — and very simple terms — it’s a range-extender using a compact hydrogen fuel cell to recharge the car’s battery, instead of a small petrol engine.

It’s a unique concept and, effectively, Renault has devised what could be labelled a fuel cell vehicle, but one with differently proportioned electric and hydrogen elements. The 40kWh battery is the same as the one used in the short-range version of the Megane E-Tech electric and is positioned beneath the front part of the floor.

Importantly, it holds a much larger charge than the small batteries usually used in fuel cell cars, but crucially it’s around half the size and weight of a battery used in a typical long-range EV on sale in showrooms today.

Significantly, while it can obviously be directly recharged by plugging in at a charging point, it is also supported by a 15kW fuel cell in the rear half of the floor which allows for top ups away from the charging plugs. The fuel cell itself is fuelled by a high-pressure tank under the bonnet. In turn, this tank is smaller and lighter than in a conventional fuel cell powered car. That makes it much easier to package. Tipping the scales at 2.5kg, the tank is half the weight of that used to fuel the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai.

But we’re talking hydrogen …

We are. And as we know, at the moment there isn’t a comprehensive hydrogen filing network which covers the UK and Europe. But it certainly shows the way Renault believes future powertrains could well be fuelled.

Renault says a powertrain such as this would deliver a 500-mile range, with only a five-minute stop to refill the hydrogen tank. As for the battery, it wouldn’t need to be charged because the fuel cell can recharge the pack on the move. Clever stuff.

… and re-intoducing the Scenic badge