Renault develops extended-range electric vehicles to improve autonomy

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly utilizing the Atkinson cycle to improve the efficiency of hybrid vehicles. By keeping the intake valve open longer than in a traditional Otto cycle engine, this technology sacrifices some specific power to achieve significantly higher thermodynamic efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

In response to range anxiety during the transition to electric mobility, Renault is developing a new generation of electric vehicles featuring extended range capabilities. Using the RGEV Medium 2.0 platform, the company aims to produce conventional electric vehicles with ranges up to 750 kilometers, as well as eREV (extended range electric vehicle) versions capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometers.

In these eREV models, the internal combustion engine does not drive the wheels directly; instead, it functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery. This approach, supported by technologies like the Atkinson cycle, seeks to combine electric propulsion with the convenience of long-distance travel without frequent charging stops.