Renault Scénic ZEV H2

Hydrogen friends. No biodiesels that mask an unsustainable development or electric alternatives that are unfeasible for now; Renault seems to be one of those brands that is starting to see future options with a bit more realism and ambition. Its latest creation in this field has just been unveiled and is the protagonist of the following lines: the Scénic ZEV H2.

The engineers at Renault-Nissan have modified this Grand Scénic to accommodate a hydrogen tank and lithium-ion batteries. Its ground clearance is reduced by 60mm but, in return, it allows the five spacious seats enjoyed by any production version of this MPV to be retained, thus representing a significant achievement among prototype vehicles of this type.

A quiet and lively operation suitable for everyday use, offering comfort and performance.

This is how the brand defines it. As you all know, hydrogen is the simplest of the chemical elements and, when combined with oxygen through a polymer membrane, it produces heat and energy. The result is autonomous electricity generation with a single by-product: water vapour emission.

Developed in just 15 months, the Scénic ZEV H2 can operate in five different modes:

– With the battery supplying energy exclusively to the motor: used for starting, parking, city driving or achieving strong acceleration.

– With the fuel cell supplying energy exclusively to the motor: used when travelling at a constant speed, such as on the motorway.

– With the battery and fuel cell supplying energy together to the motor: when more power is required at a given moment, such as when overtaking.

– With the vehicle stationary or in motion, the fuel cell charges the battery.

– With the vehicle decelerating, the motor acts as a generator charging the battery.

Finally, here are the technical specifications:

– Electric asynchronous motor (rated power: 90kW).

– Lithium-ion battery, operating at a voltage of around 400V and delivering a power of about 25kW.

– A fuel cell using compressed gaseous hydrogen at 350 bar.

– Hydrogen consumption optimisation: energy from braking and deceleration is recovered to recharge the battery.

– Top speed of around 160 km/h.

– Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 14.65 seconds.

– Range of approximately 350 km on the combined cycle with a 3.7 kg hydrogen tank compressed at 350 bar.

– A compression of 700 bar is planned for later, which would provide a range of 500 km.

– Acoustic comfort, the only sound at low speeds is that of the tyres and at high speeds that of the wind.

– Identical interior space to the current Renault Scénic.

– Easy to use, the instruments are the same as in the current versions of the Scénic. The only differences are the display showing hydrogen consumption information.

– Weight of 1,850 kg (for comparison, a Scenic 1.9 dCi weighs 1,550 kg).

Below is a gallery of the 27 official photos:

Source | Renault