lithium-ion battery
The lithium-ion battery is currently the benchmark technology for electric cars.
Renault chose to equip its E‑Tech electric vehicles with this technology, as it offers customers an optimal technical solution with maximum benefits:
- high energy density giving long driving range
- able to accept high charging powers for better chargeability
- consistent performance whatever the temperature and no memory effect
- battery durability and ageing managed over time
understanding Renault E-Tech electric technology
our battery design
The traction battery is your electric vehicle’s main component. It is designed and produced with the utmost care. We aim to reduce its size while ensuring optimum performance.
The battery consists of several elements that make sure it works properly:
Note: only the cells and modules are developed with our partners. All other battery components are designed and produced by Renault. A guarantee of quality to meet your requirements.
how does an electric battery work?
The lithium-ion battery is a component that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This happens as a result of a chemical reaction that takes place between 2 electrodes - one positive (the cathode) and the other negative (the anode), all immersed in an electrolyte.
When the battery powers your car, the accumulated electrons are released in a constant flux of energy through the vehicle’s circuitry between the anode and the cathode to power the electric motor.
Conversely, when the battery recovers energy transmitted by the charger or through regenerative braking, the electrons return to their initial position.
battery performance
- capacity and driving range
- chargeability and power
- longevity and durability
capacity
The battery’s capacity is expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh). This should not be confused with the instantaneous power of the electric motor or a charge expressed in kilowatts (kW).
You can think of it as comparing the capacity of a combustion-powered vehicle’s fuel tank expressed in litres (l) and the engine power in horsepower (hp).
driving range
Driving range mainly depends on the battery’s capacity. The greater the capacity the more miles the vehicle can cover.
However, other factors such as vehicle weight, driving style and weather conditions affect the electric vehicle’s range.
example: Renault Megane E-Tech electric
Renault Megane E-Tech electric: 60 kWh stored in an 11 cm thick battery, for a driving range of up to 285 miles(1) WLTP per charge. Driving ranges vary for all of our vehicles.
(1)WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes only. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
chargeability
The main role of the battery is to store and redistribute energy. It determines your electric vehicle’s driving range. When designing it, we take into account its chargeability, i.e. its ability to absorb the power provided (kW) rapidly whatever the charge type.
charging time
Our E-Tech vehicle batteries are designed to offer the best compromise between stored energy and charging time. Ideal for motorway use and for effective recovery during ultra-fast charging.
You can recover up to 185 WLTP miles* at a fast charger. Renault 5 E-Tech electric can be charged anywhere using AC (up to 11 kW), DC power (up to 130kW) or using a 3-pin socket.
outside conditions
The battery is also subject to outside conditions. To make sure that the vehicle works correctly, we adjust the operating temperatures using the cooling system built into the battery. In addition, with Google Maps(1) built in and our openR link system, as you near a scheduled DC charging point, we preheat the battery to optimise the charging power.*
*Figures shown are indicative and should not be relied upon. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load. Charging times may vary depending on factors including charging conditions, battery and ambient temperature at point of use. Estimate the driving range and charge time of Renault 5, as well as the savings achieved, based on your daily usage. Fast charging (DC) is available on evolution, techno, iconic five, and Roland-Garros versions.
(1)Google, Google Play, Android Auto, Google Maps and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. available from techno version.
Renault expertise and quality guarantee
Since the first Renault Zoe hit the market, Renault has gained over 10 years of experience in electric technology. This means we know a lot about how batteries age. Our expertise and our commitment are a guarantee.
battery warranty
Our Renault E-Tech electric vehicles include batteries under warrantee for 8 years or 10,000 miles (whichever expires first). It should be noted that batteries naturally degrade like with any electronic device equipped with a battery. On our new models, batteries are guaranteed to keep at least 70% of their initial capacity over the warranty period.
battery safety
The safety of its electric vehicles is a priority for Renault. Renault has integrated experts with firefighting experience into its teams. Both work in close collaboration with third-party safety experts to improve your safety. Two major innovations for example:
Fireman Access
The Fireman Access gives firefighters direct access to the heart of the battery if it is affected by an external fire, reducing the intervention time.
SD Switch*
During firefighter interventions (excluding fires), the battery can be immediately disconnected from the electrical circuitry via the innovative SD Switch, thereby protecting the firefighters from potential electrocution.
*available on Megane E-Tech electric
battery second life and recycling
When batteries reach the end of their first life, i.e. between 10 and 15 years or when they fall below the 70% charging capacity, they can be replaced.
They then embark on a second life, for example, by being reused for storing renewable energy or other less demanding mobile uses. Once this second life has ended, they can then be recycled.
- collection
- second life
- recycling
collection
In accordance with the European Directive, Renault has committed to collect the used batteries of its electric vehicles.
All of our Renault E-Tech centres are there to assist you with your battery recycling.
second life
Once the batteries’ first life has ended, the challenge is to find ways to reuse them. The Mobilize brand focuses on this issue with its “Advanced Battery Storage” programme, which have already been deployed on several sites in France and Europe. These batteries can then be used, for example, to store the energy produced by wind turbines and solar farms. This way they compensate for the inherent intermittence of these resources.
recycling
For a lithium-ion battery like the one in Renault 5, the recycling process starts with dismantling to extract all of the components.
The structural, plastic, metal and welding elements go to their own specific recycling facilities.
your questions about electric batteries
also discover
1To use My Renault app you need a smartphone with compatible iOS or Android operating system. Download the free My Renault app and create an account. Synchronise or pair My Renault to your vehicle. Synchronising or pairing should only be done when the car is parked safely. Services may be subject to mobile network coverage and additional charges. Users should follow road safety regulations when using the services and always be in control of the vehicle. For further information, visit My Renault.
