- Slide of
Renault has revealed its new Symbioz concept car - a connected, autonomous and electric vehicle that integrates itself into the driver’s home when not in use.
The car, revealed at the Frankfurt motor show, looks to the year 2030, while a ‘demo car’ - essentially a precursor to the model's introduction - is targeted for 2023.
- Slide of
The Symbioz connects to the driver’s home wirelessly and also functions as an extra room when parked. Renault has shown how the car can be integrated and elevated in the house to act as a small extra room if needed and indeed feasible.When not in use, the car can also return battery power to the home to smooth power demand that typical home usage creates and can even serve as a back-up battery in the event of a blackout.
- Slide of
The car can also plan ahead and adapt to the driver’s car use by syncing with their calendar; for example, if no lengthy trips are planned in the coming days, it will not draw charge from the grid to allow the house to use as much as required. A small reservoir will be kept in the car’s battery in case of emergency.Household appliances and functions can also be controlled from the car. For example, the car can instruct the house to close shutters and turn down the heating while you are away on holiday. Renault has also displayed a concept house as part of the Symbioz package, demonstrating how the relationship between the home and car will evolve.
- Slide of
Power comes from two rear-mounted electric motors. Renault claims a range of 310 miles (500km), with 661bhp and 487lb ft of torque on tap, with acceleration of less than six seconds. The 72kWh battery pack can reach an 80% charge in 20 minutes.
- Slide of
Renault says these figures are liable to change as technology evolves in the lead-up to 2030. Some technology seen on the concept will filter through to production cars from next year, though it's not clear which exactly.
- Slide of
In autonomous driving mode, three interior layouts - named Alone@home, Relax and French Kiss - change the positions of the seats for relaxation, interaction with other passengers or other non-driving activities.
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of
- Slide of