Renault EZ-PRO, EZ-GO and EZ-ULTIMO: Concept Cars Illustrating Renault’s Vision of Future Mobility
What is a circular economy? In a nutshell, it’s an economic system that focuses on eliminating waste and the continuous use of resources. The circular economy is also often referred to as circularity with systems looking at re-using, sharing, repairing, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling. It attempts to create a closed-loop which minimises resource inputs and waste creation, pollution and notably, carbon emissions.
The automotive sector is one of the largest contributors to waste and pollution closed-loop which is why Groupe Renault wants to be more involved in finding a solution. A circular economy is an answer as it aims at keeping products, equipment and infrastructure in use for longer which will improve the productivity and longevity of the intended resources.
Becoming Green In The Circular Economy
Many of us recycle batteries, plastics and old clothes which is already a big step in the right direction. Some people even buy reconditioned smartphones and fix their cars using second-hand components. Without us realising, most of us are already part of the circular economy.
Nobody is the perfect “green citizen” but if everyone takes eco-awareness seriously, the planet would be better off. The situation of overpopulation, waste and pollution is all too real as highlighted by ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency. They pointed out that in 2019, it would take “1.75 planets to meet humanity’s needs without jeopardising those of future generations”.
The need to change our economic model is more important than ever and most of us know that. However, individually, we won’t make a dent but if everyone works together to use fewer resources and recycle when we can, a real circular economy is possible.
Eco-Design In The Circular Economy
While the concept seems simple enough, there are several factors involved. The first thing you think of when talking about the circular economy us eco-design. This refers to the clever use of renewable and sustainable resources which are also re-usable in other forms. For the individual, this is challenging enough but even more so within the automotive industry.
For Groupe Renault, it’s about designing sustainable vehicles using recycled and recoverable materials. This becomes even more important for their electric vehicles in terms of finding a second life for batteries that can no longer be used. Some examples of secondary applications include storing renewable energy or providing power for buildings and homes.
Renault’s Policy On Vehicle Recycling
Groupe Renault is serious about the planet and, in compliance with European regulations:
- 95% of all vehicles at the end of life are re-used or recovered for materials
- 85% of cars are recycled
- At least 50% of the materials from used electric batteries and accumulators are recycled.
- At the end of 2018, an average of 33% recycled materials was used in Groupe Renault vehicles in Europe
- More than 50 kg of recycled plastics were used in the Renault ESPACE V.
Reconditioning used vehicle components is second nature to Renault at their Choisy-le-Roi plant in Ile-de-France. Here, the plant has been giving spare parts a second life for 70 years. They employ almost 300 staff where around 30,000 engines and gearboxes are manually stripped, cleaned, certified and refitted every year.
Recently, reconditioning also involves mechatronic parts and electronic circuit boards which are offered for standard exchange at reduced prices. This plant is one of a kind and sets the benchmark for the circular economy in France. In fact, France’s Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development awarded them the Trophée de l’Economie circulaire in 2014.
Completing The Cycle
The circular economy involves thinking in terms of a product’s entire life cycle. For example, a new car is designed to be safe, reliable and as environmentally friendly as possible but there comes a time when you have to let go. An old car with billowing black smoke is no longer a viable option as it emits even more CO2 emissions. This is the perfect time to recycle or replace it with something else, like an electric vehicle with recycled fabrics. A prime example of this is the new Renault ZOE.
A circular economy is an ideal opportunity to turn back the clock and looking at more traditional practices of bartering. Looking at clothing, the modern equivalent of swapping, sharing and selling comes in the form of a community platform called Vinted. At the same time, trading skills as they did during the Palaeolithic age is now Stootie, an online app where people can swap services.
So what does this have to do with the automotive sector? Well, seeing it’s all about using instead of owning, the word you looking for is sharing and a good example is a little concept called ride-sharing.
Renault Mobility And Ride-Sharing Apps
Renault Mobility is a vehicle hire scheme in France that works either on an hourly or daily basis. Another one is Zity, Madrid’s electric car-sharing scheme, and the Marcel ride-hailing service. While these have certainly played a big part in the circular economy, Groupe Renault is now working on the next phase.
The UN estimates that the global population will reach 9.8 billion in 2050 with almost 70% living in urban areas. That means an increased demand for transport which means urban mobility must become effective schemes that are clean, sustainable and shared.
Renault plans to trial mobility services that are not only smart and shared but also autonomous and electric in both the public and private sectors. There are two projects on the cards and autonomous Renault ZOE prototypes: Rouen Normandy Autonomous Lab and Paris-Saclay Autonomous Lab. That’s a far cry from the concept robot vehicles they unveiled in 2018 and 2019, the EZ-GO, EZ-PRO, EZ-ULTIMO and EZ-POD.
Recycled Fabrics And The Circular Economy
Moving on from the autonomous or robot taxi, let’s take a look at recycled fabrics and textiles from Brassac at Filatures du Parc. This family-run business was founded in the Tarn department in 1976 where they produce 300 tonnes of textile products every year from old clothes and wasted fabric.
They are responsible for the quality recycled textiles on the seat covers, dashboard trim, gear lever console and door fittings in the new Renault ZOE. They used 100%-recycled carded yarn from seat belts and fabric scraps from the automotive industry and plastic bottles.
Finding A Solution
While it’s evident that the automotive industry has been part of the problem, they’re also part of the solution. Groupe Renault wants to be at the forefront by recycling fabrics, reconditioning spare parts, re-using old electric vehicle batteries and developing cleaner and more sustainable car-sharing services.
They have put much of their focus into a new and more virtuous economic model and they plan on doing even more. Along with their subsidiary company, Renault Environment, they are gradually implementing these processes across all of their operations. With an eye on the future, their next milestone is in 2022 with a goal to increase their global use of recycled plastic by 50% compared to 2013.
What part are you playing in the circular economy? Do you think vehicle manufacturers are doing enough? For more interesting news and updates from the motoring world, keep an eye on our blog.
