Renault launches Captur E-TECH plug-in hybrid
Renault has introduced an E-TECH plug-in hybrid powertrain into the Captur and says a hybrid will join the range next year.
The All-New Captur, which is available from dealers now, comes with a range of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains across several trim levels. This offers crossover buyers a family car with flexible, high-quality interior, strong performance and low running costs.
Debuting advanced technology inspired by the Renault DP World F1 team for energy optimisation and brake regeneration, all models fitted with E-TECH technology offer customers strong performance with low running costs, enhancing the driving experience and refinement of Captur models.
Renault’s best-selling model in the UK now features the latest technology to boost performance and efficiency. It comes in three specification trim levels: S Edition, Launch Edition and R.S Line.
Powertrain
The electrification of Renault models has been easy thanks to the versatile CMF-B modular architecture that was designed from the start to accept electric capabilities.
The advanced E-TECH powertrain has been created with knowledge gained from the Renault DP World F1 team, inspiring the energy use and recovery systems that are key in ensuring all Renault E-TECH hybrid and E-TECH plugin hybrid vehicles are as efficient and effective as possible.
Technology that’s found in an E-TECH powertrain can be broken down into two categories; the first is the way in which energy use and recovery can be optimised, while the other is the application of an innovative multi-mode dog gearbox for the first time in a production vehicle.
E-TECH powertrains are designed to use the optimal energy output to recharge the battery whenever the energy created is more than the required power. Then, kinetic energy recovered during deceleration or braking can be transformed into electrical energy to recharge the battery. The electrical energy is then in reserve to assist with acceleration, or for all-electric operation at lower speeds in urban areas, later in a journey.
The E-TECH powertrain architecture is paired with a multi-mode dog gearbox. In operation, it allows the vehicle to start in 100 per cent electric mode, significantly reducing the gap in acceleration during gear changes. This means a smoother, more refined drive in production vehicles, as well as better performance.
The Captur’s plug-in hybrid powertrain offers three levels of energy regeneration and regenerative braking:
Battery regeneration during deceleration: When the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator and the gear selector is in D (Drive), the main electric motor works as a generator by recovering kinetic energy produced by the deceleration, turning it into electrical energy that is sent back to the battery.
B Mode: To recover more energy, the gear selector can be put into B (Brake) mode by nudging the gear selector backwards, allowing one pedal driving when driving in full electric mode, increasing the level of regeneration allowed by the battery, up to an idling speed of around 4mph.
Regenerative braking: When the brake pedal is depressed, braking is triggered electrically, with mechanical braking support from the brake pads if necessary. The electric motor provides additional braking here, recovering excess energy and returning it to the battery that can be deployed again later on.
Using the same 1.6-litre petrol engine as the All-New Clio E-TECH Hybrid, and two electric motors, the Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid also features a higher capacity 9.8kWh (400V) battery.
Like all E-TECH powertrains, the Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid starts up in all-electric mode for optimum efficiency and immediately available torque, making it a perfect compact SUV for use in town.