Renault Group seeks 90% lower lifecycle emissions with new model

Renault Group has unveiled a new model of electric family car made with 50% recycled materials – delivering 90% lower lifecycle emissions than traditional vehicles.

The new Emblème model is Renault’s 2035 vision of a low-carbon family vehicle, not just because it is electric, but also due to the use of recycled and low-carbon materials in its production, bringing the car’s cradle-to-grave carbon footprint to just 5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This is 10 times lower than a 2019 petrol-based Renault Captur. 

The model leverages Renault Group’s existing circularity initiatives, including The Refactory, its historic plant converted to repair, reuse and remanufacturing activities, and The Future is Neutral, its automotive circularity partnership with SUEZ.

"Renault Group's commitment to sustainability has enabled us to meet the challenges facing the industry in recent years. We have embraced the electrical and software transition in an inclusive way, upgrading and reskilling our employees through ReKnow University. To counter the volatility of raw materials and China's dominance in the refining of ores for batteries, we have invested in closed loops in Europe, with The Future Is NEUTRAL and the Refactory. And finally, we offer a range of affordable electric vehicles produced in France,” commented Josep-Maria Recasens, Chief Strategy Officer of Renault Group and CEO of Ampere, upon presenting the new car at the ChangeNow Summit held in Paris this weekend.

Renault betting on the sustainable transition

The French carmaker is aiming to achieve net zero in its European operations by 2040 and globally by 2050. This target comes with a commitment to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions per car produced by 60%, and Scope 3 emissions from the use of sold products – ie, cars’ carbon intensity – by 41% by 2030.

As of today, the group also incorporates an average of 30% of materials from the circular economy in its new models – but it aims to go further with Emblème, with 50% recycled materials.

Renault has a goal to sell 100% electric cars in Europe by 2030 – and is one of just six car manufacturers worldwide with full electrification targets, though regional. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) could reach a market share of 20 to 24% this year in the EU, based on sales and forecasts analysed by Transport & Environment.