Renault and Nissan Planning Slate of Hybrid Models by 2020

NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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and RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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are among the market leaders in electric car tech, but oddly they have not done much to exploit that technology for hybrids. Although, Renault’s head of powertrain strategy says that will likely change. It plans to a plug-in hybrid drivetrain on sale by the end of the decade.

"We are studying the gradual introduction of hybrids in our range by 2020. We have yet to make a decision about whether we will launch a hybrid car model," said Marc Bodin, Renault head of powertrain strategy.

Renault’s plans is to have hybrids that work in multiple vehicles, including a full hybrid system that maximizes efficiency and a cheaper system that would even be affordable on a DaciaDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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model.

"We want to make our technologies accessible, so we would, of course, offer a hybrid Dacia model as an affordable hybrid alternative if Renault were to ever decide to launch hybrid cars," he said.

Nissan has moved somewhat farther with hybrids and offers the Infiniti Q50Infiniti Q50 3.5 HybridJapan, 2013 > present4 photos
, Infiniti MInfiniti M35hJapan, 2011 > present3 photos
, Infiniti QX60Infiniti QX60 Hybrid AWDJapan, 2014 > present and Nissan PathfinderNissan Pathfinder Gen.4Japan, 2013 > present14 versions
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with hybrid engine options.

Bodin says that neither Renault nor Nissan have no intention of stopping development of EVs. Hybrids are just a further use for their existing technology.

Source: Automotive News Europe