With CMF-EV, the Alliance has chosen a platform dedicated entirely to 100% electric sedans. This is a modular solution for adapting to the numerous future Renault or Nissan brand vehicles.
The platform has been created to integrate — in an optimized manner — all the elements specific to 100% electric powertrain. It therefore hosts a new, high-performance engine and an ultra-thin 60 kW battery. The Mégane eVision show car perfectly illustrates this; promising excellent road handling and a range that allows for multiple uses, including out of town travel.
On an industrial scale, this motor-battery ensemble benefits from close collaborations within the Alliance. Design and sourcing of parts are shared across the two manufacturers, while also making the most of local production. This results in significant large-scale savings, guaranteeing the customer a competitive price. Everything is done in order to make electric travel accessible to everyone.
“The modular nature of the CMF-EV platform, and the collaborations achieved in the creation of the powertrain, result in electric products that are both unique and accessible to as many people as possible.”
Éric Blanchard
Project Director for Electric Systems Projects at Renault Group
The Mégane eVision’s new powertrain was developed with a focus on efficiency, which goes hand in hand with the vehicle’s range. It is the most powerful Renault engine, all energy types included. Its abilities count 160 kW of power, or 217 horsepower, an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in less than eight seconds, and a torque of 300 Nm. Driving enjoyment is at its highest, especially on a dynamic hatchback like Renault Mégane eVision which is just as comfortable on highways and roads as it is in the city.
The motor benefits from the know-how of the Renault Group engineers right through to its mechanics. It uses the principle of the wound-rotor motor, a veritable expertise and trademark of the French manufacturer, first introduced on Renault ZOE. Contrary to permanent magnets, this technology increases energy efficiency and offers excellent output on the highway. These components, like the copper wiring, are more easily recycled.
In addition, the new 160 kW electric powertrain is cooled via an innovative oil system. The driver can therefore use the accelerator to the maximum, and repeatedly, with no loss of power thanks to a controlled temperature.
“The new 160 kW electric motor is the most powerful of the Renault line. With excellent output, and paired with a high-capacity battery, it combines driving enjoyment with range.”
Olivier Maréchal
Project Manager for Electric Systems Projects at Renault Group
As well as its motor, another major quality of Mégane eVision comes from its battery. At 60 kWh, it offers a range of over 450 kilometers on WLTP*, and 280 kilometers on the highway, alongside very short charging times. This is due to water cooling technology, plus increased insulation, which keeps the battery at a low temperature. On a long trip, successive charges are therefore always carried out at a high level of efficiency. According to research by the design team, a journey from London to Newcastle (444 km) on the highway can take a similar overall time as a combustion-powered vehicle. And even in the depths of winter with temperatures below zero, only two recharging breaks of 30 minutes would be required for this journey thanks to the battery’s increased thermal insulation.
The rectangular shape of the battery allows for the integration of a maximum number of cells, thereby increasing its energy density. Its aluminum-reinforced frame contributes to the overall robustness of the casing in the event of an impact, optimizing the weight of the vehicle.
Lastly, fully in keeping with ZOE and Twingo Electric, this battery benefits from a connector which, at every recharge, enables the vehicle to gain the maximum amount of power from every alternative current terminal. This helps to save time, particularly on 22 kW terminals, the most common in urban public spaces. Rapid recharging is also possible at 130 kW on the direct current terminals found along major roads, for example. This makes Mégane eVision the only vehicle in its segment that offers charging efficiency at all power levels, from a domestic socket to a highway charging terminal.
The design of CMF-EV allows for the integration of an optimal-sized powertrain to ensure onboard comfort and space. The motor compartment contains enough room to store both the new 160 kW electric powertrain, inverter and the air conditioning components (usually found inside the cabin) for even more interior spaciousness.
The shape of the battery also makes it possible to have a flat and low floor. Ceiling height is optimized without any increase to the size of the vehicle, contributing to the overall aerodynamics, an assurance of energy efficiency. On Mégane eVision, the show car close to the future series model, the onboard space is worthy of a vehicle taller and longer by 20 cm. Besides the high levels of performance and range, the qualities of this powertrain — demonstrably designed for 100% electric — thus benefit the entire vehicle.
*WLTP = Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure. The WLTP City cycle refers to the urban part of a standardized cycle. The Complete WLTP cycle is the standardized cycle. It consists of 57% urban driving, 25% suburban driving and 18% highway driving.
Copyrights : Jean-Christophe Mounoury