Electric motors: how Renault builds the tech to replace the engine
However, there is one exception; much of the plant is populated by tiny robots carrying parts. These are completely autonomous and programmed to stop whenever a person or vehicle passes in front of them. Showcasing the distinct variation in mindset between engineer and journalist, we asked Chambert whether he has ever taken a ride on any of the autonomous robots around the factory and were met by a puzzled expression and told they are strictly for transporting vehicle components.
Rather than joyriding on Renault's Star Wars-style robots, what's more likely to be the focus of attention is the firm's next generation of electric motor, dubbed the E7A. Set to go into production by 2027, this will be even more advanced than even the ones fitted to the Megane, its SUV sibling, the Scenic[1], and the forthcoming R5. Undoubtedly the headline fact is that the E7A motor won't feature any rare-earth metals - a key step in making EV production sustainable.
Renault has also shrunk the carbon footprint by 30 per cent compared with its current line-up of motors and designed it to be 30 per cent smaller. Another departure from today's motors is the fact that the E7A will adopt an 800-volt architecture. Current Renault EVs use a 400-volt system, so the new configuration should enable faster charging, while an evolution of the copper wire stator should also boost power - all without the system consuming more electricity.
In other words, much-needed upgrades that'll speed up mid-journey recharging stops on long-distance drives. It's obvious that even after nearly a decade since the launch of Renault's first production EV, research and development is far from slowing down. Private buyers still need a lot of convincing when it comes to the mass adoption of electric cars, but technological leaps such as the E7A will ultimately make them more enticing and encourage competition from rival marques, and lower prices.
Now read our review of the new Renault 5[2]...