Renault EV-only in Europe by 2030

IN light of the European Union considering new legislation that will outlaw the production of ICE vehicles from 2035, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has announced that, by 2030, the French brand will offer only battery-electric cars in Europe. 

In January last year, Renault revealed its ambitious “Renaulution” transformation strategy, through which the group plans to expand its EV line-up extensively while simultaneously decreasing production platforms from six to three and powertrain families from eight to four. 

It would see 24 new models (from the respective Renault, Dacia, Alpine, Lada and Mobilise nameplates) being launched by the year 2025 – 10 of which will be battery-electric vehicles. 

By then, EVs were planned to make up 65 per cent of Renault’s total new car production, moving towards 90 per cent of global sales by 2030. However, de Meo last week told Automotive News Europe that the French manufacturer would “be 100 per cent electric” by 2030, before adding: “We have an obligation to participate in the industry-wide transition towards carbon neutrality.” 

De Meo was quoted as saying that development costs for new EVs had been cut by 40 per cent and development time reduced by 25 per cent. As for the remaining 10 per cent of global sales in 2030, that would be made up models produced in developing countries where electrification was less of a priority and where demand for value-for-money petrol- and diesel engine vehicles was strong.   

Renault recently launched the Megane E-Tech crossover – only its second battery-electric passenger car after the Zoe, which will be followed by at least four other BEV models by 2025, including the Renault 5 light hatchback a compact SUV to slot in below the Megane, a small crossover or SUV inspired by the Renault 4ever, as well as the Kangoo E-Tech electric van.

The Megane E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech remain under consideration for the local market.