Environmental Impact: Megane E-TECH Electric paves the way

Designing vehicles is his business. To do so while finding ways to tackle the very societal and environmental challenges that mould our daily lives and shape our future is what Quentin brings to the table with his expertise in materials. Quentin, Environmental Officer at Renault Material Engineering, was in his element working on the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric, a model that showcases how the company’s strategy homes in on environmental issues now more than ever. An approach to design that began 30 years ago with the use of recycled materials to make vehicles back in the day, and which is now picking up pace as it takes on a whole new dimension. Supply and manufacturing ecosystems are being designed and reworked to be a more integral part of circular economies, thereby reducing the vehicle’s carbon footprint long before it hits the open road. Local sourcing, responsible suppliers, recycled materials: this paves the way to a new future of sustainable mobility.

Responsible production

It is in the north of France, where the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric is assembled. Every day, hundreds of vehicles are sent down the production lines at the Douai manufacturing facility, within the ElectriCity hub. In relying on supply chains that are as local as possible and using as much recycled material as possible, the model embodies the core values of responsible production. 70% of its overall mass is locally sourced within Europe.

Everything from the inside out has been designed to optimise the use of resources. For example, aluminium is used for a number of body parts. This lightweight material helps reduce the overall mass, therefore increasing the car’s range. But it also means the supply chain can be further optimised; when used, part of the left-over material can be recycled back into the manufacturing process. How? During sheet-metal stamping, when individual parts are cut out of aluminium sheets. Instead of throwing away any offcuts, they are sent back to the original supplier. Once sorted, crushed, and remodelled, they are sent back to the factory to be pressed into more parts. This sort of short-circuit recycling loop helps reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing and sure up enough material stocks.

Recycled materials take pride of place on board

Inside the vehicle, many parts, such as the dashboard, centre console, headrests, and carpets are made using recycled materials. Each car has no less than 28 kilos of recycled plastic. This further helps the company reach its targets in terms of reducing its carbon footprint. By 2030, Renault Group aims to use 33% recycled materials on its vehicles.

My role is to determine which materials have the smallest possible footprint and expand the range of recycled materials. On All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric, there is 20% more recycled plastics compared to Renault ZOE.

Quentin, Environmental Officer at Material Engineering

More than 90% recyclable

The All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric takes its environmental ambition even further as it paves the way for new, promising projects, such as those related to recycling the materials and metals used to make batteries. These recycled parts will one day be used to make new batteries at the Douai-based Gigafactory that will open its doors since 2024.

In total, the All-new Mégane E-TECH Electric is 90% recyclable*. It thus marks the beginning of a new era, one with stronger commitments, more responsibility; a privilege for Quentin, who now match his job with his own ideals.

* According to the European directive of homologation recycling 2005/64/EC