Eolab (France, 2014)

The Renault Eolab is a hybrid petrol/electric concept with an announced average consumption of 1l/100km and CO2 emissions of 22g/km.

The super efficient vehicle serves as a preview of a future model of the B segment, that according to the French brand can reach the market within 10 years. The Eolab is also a way to respond to the challenge issued by the French government to market a car below 2 l/100km by 2020.

In an attempt to increase the efficiency of the concept engineers focused on reducing weight, aerodynamics and obtaining a better performance from the hybrid powertrain.

Compared to the fourth generation Clio, the engineers were able to reduce weight by 400kg, to a total of 955kg. Aerodynamics were improved about 30 percent over the Clio, with a 0.235 coefficient. Regarding weight Renault claims the reduction was achieved through a fixed hood which does not require the locking mechanism. Furthermore, Eolab also has a thinner windshield and a magnesium roof with 4.5kg.

The hybrid powertrain of the Eolab includes a 75hp 1.0 SCe three-cylinder petrol engine and a 68hp electric motor. The electric engine is integrated in a compact structure that also incorporates the three speed transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

The Eolab contains a "weekend" mode that allows the vehicle to work as a conventional hybrid to increase range. In this case the two engines work together and the battery is charged by recovering energy from braking and deceleration.

Inside, the three-door Eolab has four leather seats and a "floating" center console. The infotainment system based on the R-Link includes a 11-inch touch screen that also provides real-time updates on how efficiently the car is being driven. The internal car lights also change color according to the driving style.

The digital instrument panel with adjustable height is located in front of the driver and has two screens the size of smartphones that display data about the car and navigation information. The side car mirrors have been replaced by cameras that feed the screens placed next to the pillars of the windscreen.

According to Renault, the Eolab contains 100 technological innovations that the company believes will eventually reach their road models.