Unexpected Turn! Renault Resurrects the Gasoline Engine in the Megane and Scenic: The Key to Extended Range

Renault is abandoning pure electric exclusivity for its upcoming bestsellers, the Megane and Scenic. They will integrate a gasoline engine that functions solely as a generator, allowing for extended range without the constant need for a charging point.

The Multi-Energy Platform That Changes Everything

Renault makes a significant statement with this innovative strategy. The French manufacturer plans to replace its current platforms (combustion CMF-C/D and electric AmpR Medium) with a single, multi-energy architecture. This versatile platform will enable them to offer extended-range versions if the adoption of pure electric vehicles does not accelerate as quickly as anticipated, as confirmed by CEO Fabrice Cambolive. Consequently, Renault aligns itself with giants like Stellantis, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, who are already developing mixed technologies.

The core concept is the series hybrid (EREV or REEV). In these models, the electric motor is the sole component that moves the car. The gasoline engine serves only one function: to generate electricity to recharge the battery. Therefore, drivers eliminate the stress of needing an obligatory charging point, maintaining the familiarity of fueling up at a traditional petrol station.

This strategic decision aims to boost demand and ensure Renault maintains a comprehensive offering during the energy transition, a move that will be replicated in the future Austral, Espace, and Rafale starting in 2028.

Horse Powertrain Accelerates the Hybrid Future

This shift is strongly supported by the latest developments from Horse Powertrain. This joint venture (between Renault, Geely, and Saudi Aramco) has already finalized its ‘Future Hybrid System’. It is a compact and highly versatile powertrain. In fact, it can replace the front electric motor of a zero-emission vehicle to transform it into a plug-in hybrid or a range extender, for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

The heart of this system is the 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. This small, efficient block integrates the electrified transmission, power electronics, on-board charger, and DC/DC converter, all within a single, compact unit. Clearly, Renault is not abandoning electrification, but it is moving away from the exclusivity of a single path, ensuring the best solution for every driver.