The Scenic has died. The Scenic will live on.
This is a completely different approach to the long-standing name Scenic. It’s not a minivan anymore, as Renault plans to transform the MPV into an SUV. The gas engine has been removed as this electric vehicle is entirely electric. It has a range extender but not an ICE, like the BMW i3 Rex or Opel Ampera.
The Megane EX’s 215-horsepower motor is used to power the crossover. It also inherits the smaller 40-kWh battery. The underfloor mounted 16-kW fuel cell, which charges the battery while you’re on the move, is also included. Renault explained that it can create a twice as lightweight battery with the same range by following this route.
The Scenic Vision is 1,700 kg (3,747 lb) which makes it heavier that the Megane E-Tech. Why? The crossover is larger, measuring 4,490 millimeters (176.7 in) long, 1,900mm (74.8 in), wide, and 1,590mm (62.6 in tall). It measures 291mm (11.4in) longer, 132mm (5.2in) wider and 85mm (3.3in) higher. The wheelbase has been extended by 150mm (5.9in).
A production version of the Megane Etech will be available in 2024. It will use the same CMF EV platform as the Nissan Ariya. The hydrogen range extender is not expected to be available at launch. It’s more of a vision than a production setup.
The company sporting the diamond logo believes that fuel cell technology has a future. A hydrogen vehicle with a 500-mile range (800 km) capability will be available by the end, and it won’t need to stop for five minutes.
The Scenic Vision is more than just its unusual powertrain and angular styling. Renault emphasizes its eco-friendly construction. It is made up of more than 70% recycled materials and can be recycled 95 percent (including the battery) at its end. The concept leaves a 75% smaller carbon footprint than traditional battery-powered electric vehicles.
Eco-friendly construction is not just marketing hype. The fuel cell tank is made from carbon fiber made from recycled paper waste. The futuristic cabin is made of recycled low-carbon polyester, which Renault has replaced with leather. A third of the plastic used in the futuristic cabin comes from sustainable sources. The paint’s black pigments come from the atmospheric processing of particles.
The “Scenic”, which will be discontinued until 2024, will become a production model. Renault has just sold the five-seat minivan while three-row Grand Scenic will be discontinued later in the year.