Eight new Renault pure EVs planned by 2022

RENAULT Group has announced it will be releasing eight pure electric vehicles (EVs) and 12 electrified models by 2022 as part of its Drive the Future strategic vision, which also details plans to increase autonomous drive vehicles and grow profits through a number of measures.

As with alliance partner Nissan, development of electric and hybrid vehicles is a priority for Renault going forward, with the French manufacturer set to utilise technology shared by the alliance to develop its next generation of EVs.

Currently, the only electrified model offered in Renault Australia’s range is the Kangoo ZE van, which has previously only been available as a low-volume fleet offering, but from November will be available en masse.

Worldwide, Renault also produces all-electric versions of its Fluence sedan, quirky Twizy runabout and Zoe hatch, the latter of which will make its Australian debut in November.

As part of the Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi alliance business plan announced last month, Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn said that all three manufacturers will work together to share electric motor technology and a common EV platform.

The Alliance plan dictates that a new family of EV motors and batteries will be introduced by 2020 and shared across alliance member products, and by 2022 EV range will be more than 600km with battery cost reducing by 30 per cent.

No indication has yet been given as to which models will benefit from electrification, but the proliferation of electrification across its current models lines seem likely, while the introduction of dedicated EVs is also a chance.

Renault also says that it plans to have the largest range of electric light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) on the market, suggesting the larger Trafic and Master vans will receive electrification in the future.

Range growth is not limited to EVs, with 21 new vehicles planned by 2022 including “three add-ons”.

Global sales volume is also planned to increase by over 40 per cent from 3.5 million vehicles in 2016 to over 5 million by the end of the plan, as well as doubling sales outside Europe.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 167,000 sales in 2016 is planned to increase to over 700,000, through accelerating opportunities in China with new strategic joint ventures in EV and LCV areas.

For reference, Renault sold 11,109 vehicles in Australia in 2016, down 416 units on its 2015 tally.

Renault has also flagged Brazil, India and Iran as markets with growth opportunities.

Through sharing with Alliance members, Renault has estimated it will save €4.2 billion ($A6.3b), with 80 per cent of Renault Group vehicles to utilise common platforms.

Over the period of the plan, Renault is aiming for annual revenues of over €70b ($A105.7b), with positive cash flow every year and a group operating profit margin of over 7 per cent by 2022.

Over six years, €18b ($A27.1b) will be invested into research and development, while 15 models with autonomous drive features are planned over that period.

Mobility services including ride-hailing and robo-taxi services are also planned, as well as improvements in connected services, with 100 per cent of new cars in key markets set to be connected.

Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn said the business plan would help Renault grow through leveraging the Alliance’s resources and technologies.

“Groupe Renault is now a healthy, profitable, global company looking confidently ahead,” he said.

“Drive the Future is about delivering strong, sustainable growth benefiting from investments in key regions and products, leveraging Alliance resources and technologies, and increasing our cost competitiveness.

“Supported by the men and women of Renault, this new plan will unleash our full potential to innovate and grow in a rapidly-changing industry.”

GoAuto has contacted Renault Australia for local information regarding the Drive the Future plan.