Renault rolls out hybrid Sandero as Polestar predicts EV boost from energy crisis

Renault introduced a hybrid version of its Sandero hatchback to the European market, using the Hybrid 155 system that pairs a 1.8‑litre gasoline engine (109 hp) with a 50 hp electric motor and a 1.4 kWh battery. The six‑speed automatic model starts at €21,400 and delivers a combined fuel consumption of 23.8 km/l, with the Stepway variant achieving 22.7 km/l. Renault says the vehicle can run up to 80 % of the time in electric mode, recapturing energy through regenerative braking, and emits 96–100 g CO₂ per kilometre, keeping it below European emissions penalties. The hybrid drivetrain is also being fitted to the Duster and Bigster SUVs, and hybrids now account for about 30 % of Renault’s sales in France.

Polestar chief executive Michael Lohscheller told Lusa that the current Middle‑East energy crisis will accelerate electric‑vehicle adoption across Portugal and the wider EU. He argued that fuel‑price anxiety and improvements in charging infrastructure are more decisive than government incentives. Polestar recorded a 22 % increase in Portuguese sales in the first half of the year, selling 333 cars, and expects 527 unit sales in 2025, placing Portugal among its top‑15 markets worldwide.