Renault will unveil a new concept car on May 19th, showcasing a new design approach and previewing plans for a new hydrogen powertrain.
While details are scarce, the car clearly bears a slew of new design cues, including angular new daytime running lights, a heavily sculpted bonnet, and a flush front end that appears to be inspired by the new Renault 5 supermini's.
The concept has yet to be named, but visual similarities with the 5 indicate that it could be a preview of the similarly retro-styled Renault 4ever crossover, which is set to go on sale in 2025. It will also demonstrate Renault's circular economy goals by using recyclable materials throughout its construction.
Luca de Meo, CEO of the company, stressed that it is more than just a design study. "When we do a concept, we want to turn it into a real car," he said.
The powertrain will be revealed at the event, but Renault's use of the phrase "hydrogen engine" strongly suggests the use of a modified petrol engine that runs on hydrogen. Currently, the company uses hydrogen in commercial vehicles, but only in conventional fuel cell drivetrains.
This technology is emerging as a potential means of reducing fleet emissions without integrating expensive and heavy EV drivetrains, with Toyota and Yamaha among its most vocal supporters thus far. The two Japanese companies recently unveiled a 5.0-liter V8 converted to run on hydrogen.
However, the eventual production car may also be available with a pure-electric powertrain. According to De Meo, the concept will feature "electric, hydrogen... possibly other things."
Notably, Renault has confirmed plans to go all-electric by 2030, implying that if a hydrogen combustion engine is introduced in a production car, it will serve as a bridge offering to a full-EV.
Renault will unveil the concept at the ChangeNow conference in Paris, which focuses on climate change. The event will be used by the brand to highlight the three key themes of de Meo's company transformation strategy: safety, inclusion, and the environment.
The phrase "on-board technical innovations" suggests that the concept will also preview a new approach to interior design and equipment.