EOLAB's recipe
The EOLAB prototype's exceptional fuel economy - namely 1 litre/100km - is the fruit of work on three main fronts: refined aerodynamics, weight saving and Z.E. Hybrid technology (petrol/electricity):

- The car's shape was designed to slice through air efficiently, while movable devices such as an active spoiler and lateral vanes perform the same way as ailerons.

- A weight saving programme brought the car's mass down to just 400kg, thanks in particular to a multimaterial body shell combining steel, aluminium and composites, as well as a remarkable magnesium roof that tips the scales at barely 4kg. Saving weight was a virtuous circle since it enabled the size, and therefore the cost of the prototype's chief assemblies (engine, battery, wheels, brakes, etc.) to be kept low, thereby financing the decision to employ certain more costly materials;

- Z.E. Hybrid technology: this new, compact and affordable hybrid power unit combines ultra-low fuel consumption with zero-emission mobility* for journeys of less than 60km and at speeds of up to 120kph. In coming years, Z.E. Hybrid technology will become complementary to Renault's zero-emission* electric vehicle range.

A contribution to the French government's ‘New Industrial Plan' EOLAB forms part of the ‘fuel consumption of 2 litres/100km for all' plan introduced within the framework of France's so-called New Industrial Plan. However, EOLAB goes further than the fuel consumption target set by the French government since it sets its sights on the much longer term.

In the course of the prototype's design, Renault developed the technologies necessary for the introduction of a car with fuel consumption of just 2 litres/100km by 2020. To achieve this, Renault worked in a spirit of collaborative innovation with French automotive industry partners like car glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain, seat supplier Faurecia, tyre company Michelin and Continental (brake system). Renault also worked closely with major partners like the Korean company Posco (magnesium components). The specific know-how of all these partners made a valuable contribution to the success of the EOLAB prototype.

EOLAB Concept: a concept car to capture the imagination

Renault's designers were closely involved with the EOLAB project from its very early days. In the case of EOLAB Concept, they pushed the design parameters to perfect the car's styling and paid significant attention to detail in order to optimise aerodynamics and weight.

With its sloping roof and breathtakingly slender rear end, the concept car's true purpose is well masked: beneath its seductively designed shell, everything is geared towards frugality. It demonstrates that Renault is able to add a touch of dream-like magic to a prototype whose fundamental mission is to achieve ultra-low fuel consumption.

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* No CO2 or other regulated polluting emissions during road use.
** Fuel consumption, emissions and range data homologated in accordance with appropriate legislation.