Renault Group shows the way to low-carbon mobility: the Megane E-Tech electric sets a positive example
It’s no secret that electric vehicles have a part to play in sustainable mobility, simply because they burn no fossil fuels, which account for the largest portion of CO2 emissions. Renault Group is paying more attention than ever on the impact its vehicles have on the environment, and accordingly offering a constantly growing choice of electric vehicles in its line-ups. The Megane E-Tech Electric is one example of an environmentally-friendlier car: it is made locally, in France, designed with recycled materials, and ready for recycling at the end of its life. Its batteries will also be made locally then recycled. The Megane E-Tech Electric is over 90% recyclable*. Its carbon footprint is smaller and it is one aspect of Renault Group’s circular economy dynamic for the environment.
Low-carbon production
Renault Group is reducing its carbon footprint by making the Megane E-Tech in France – at the ElectriCity in Douai. The model’s production process is optimised to reduce CO2 emissions, for instance by sourcing parts near the plant: 70% of the Megane E-Tech Electric’s total mass comes from European suppliers.
What’s more, batteries will be made near the plant in Douai starting in 2024, through a partnership with Envision AESC to set up a gigafactory.
The Megane E-Tech Electric is an example of the circular-economy approach
Designing the Megane E-Tech Electric involved a lot of work at the plant and with suppliers to optimise resource use. The body is aluminium, so the car is lighter. This optimises efficiency and thus extends the car’s range. All the scrap aluminium left over after cutting body parts is sent back to the supplier for recycling. The supplier then uses it to make new parts, closing a short recycling loop that dovetails with Renault Group’s circular-economy approach.
Inside, the Megane E-Tech Electric has 28 kg of recycled plastic in the dashboard, centre console, seat covers and mats. This is one step further in the company’s endeavour to reduce its carbon footprint. Renault Group’s goal is 33% recycled materials in its vehicles by 2030. And that’s not all: the materials and metals in the Megane E-Tech Electric’s electric battery are also recycled and reused.
* In accordance with Directive 2005/64/EC - Type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reusability, recyclability and recoverability
