Currently reading: Renault Embleme revealed as hydrogen coupé-SUV for 2030

Striking concept car is a 4.8m-long coupé SUV claimed to emit 90% less carbon over its lifetime than today's Captur

The new Renault Embleme concept shows how hydrogen fuel cell technology could offer long-range transport while emitting 90% fewer lifetime emissions than today’s petrol Captur and even 80% fewer emissions than the Megane BEV.

The follow-up to the Scenic Vision, it’s powered by a similar hydrogen-fuelled range-extender powertrain, pairing a 30kW fuel cell with a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. 

Unlike the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, whose batteries are smaller than 2kWh, the Emblème is designed to minimise the use of its fuel cell. Battery power is used around town, while hydrogen is consumed to refill its reserves as needed.

Renault said the system would allow the Emblème to do 1000km (621 miles) in the same time as a current ICE car, assuming two five-minute stops to brim the 2.8kg hydrogen tank.

It added that on a journey from Paris to Marseille (think Aberdeen to London), some 75% of the electricity used would come from hydrogen.

While the Embleme is officially a concept, it is built on the Ampr Medium platform used for the Megane and Scenic BEVs.

The Scenic was first revealed as a hydrogen concept before the production version, so it is possible a production version of the Embleme could eventually arrive with an electric powertrain.

It’s powered by a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, which puts out 215bhp.

Renault claims that the Emblème weighs 1750kg, making it around 100kg lighter than the Scenic. Aerodynamics were prioritised in the design, with Renault borrowing methods and equipment from the Alpine Formula 1 team. Cameras replace drag-inducing mirrors, for example, while the underside is sealed flat and has an active diffuser.

Renault Embleme rear

To that end, Renault claims a drag coefficient of 0.25 – markedly better than the Megane’s 0.29. 

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The sum of the developments is a lifetime carbon emissions figure of five tonnes, down from the 24-tonne forecast for the Megane and 49 tonnes for the petrol Captur.

The Emblème will make its debut at next week’s Paris motor show, albeit without an interior. 

Renault said that its EV development arm Ampere will unveil the car “in full” at the end of October.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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Peter Cavellini 4 October 2024

We rubbished EV years ago, said it wasn't a solution, now, we have EV in freefall,car sellers almost begging for the Government to help, so let's see how Hydrogen goes....in five years time.

xxxx 4 October 2024

'We' since when did you speak for everyone. As to EVs in freefall, really I mean really.

Stockholm Calling 4 October 2024

Peter I really do wish you'd stop talking nonsense; EVs took a record share of the U.K. market in September. If you're so keen on hydrogen I take it you've put down a deposit on a Mirai or Nexo?

Peter Cavellini 6 October 2024
Stockholm Calling wrote:

Peter I really do wish you'd stop talking nonsense; EVs took a record share of the U.K. market in September. If you're so keen on hydrogen I take it you've put down a deposit on a Mirai or Nexo?, there will always be doubt, but, if it's not going to be Hydrogen, what other sustainable clean carbon free fuel will we, sorry, the world power its vehicles?,do t you agree there shou be two ways of powering vehicles?

Andrew1 4 October 2024
Why can't we have rear windows anymore?
Peter Cavellini 4 October 2024
Andrew1 wrote:

Why can't we have rear windows anymore?

Don't need rear windows now, we have Cameras that give you a better view.

Rick Maverick 4 October 2024

Seems you forgot the meaning of CONCEPT car

xxxx 4 October 2024

2030, come back to us in 5 years time with a working pre production model. Are Ineos promoting these hydrogen cars articles.