By Formula E

Renault Eolab electric hybrid car concept
Image courtesy of Formula E

The future of family cars will be super-economical electric and electric hybrids according to the new and concept models on display in the Paris Motor Show, reinforcing one of the key messages of the FIA Formula E Championship.

Demonstrating a vision of its future models, Renault gave a world debut to its Eolab concept – an electric hybrid vehicle that is capable of 282mpg (1l per 100km) and emits just 22g/km of carbon dioxide.

The impressive figures come from a special lightweight construction and stunningly aerodynamic design. The car is powered by a one-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing a claimed 74bhp and an electric motor with 54bhp and a whopping 148lb ft (200Nm) of torque.

Renault boss Carlos Ghosn said: “The Eolab is the perfect illustration of how Renault is dedicated to still developing plug-in hybrid, hybrid, diesel powertrains and can still innovate, not just focus on making EVs. For us, it is not either/or – there is all sorts of technology we are still developing.”

The Eolab is expected to go on sale ‘within 10 years’, but you won’t have to wait anyway near as long for Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric B-class, which has been developed in conjunction with Tesla. The motor produces an impressive 251lb ft (340Nm) of torque, which will mean it’s the fastest accelerating of all the B-class variants when it goes on sale next year, although top speed will be limited to 100mph (160kmh).

Charge time is expected to be three hours, while the range is stated as 125 miles (200km).

Infiniti showcased a premium luxury saloon concept – the Q80 Inspiration – that uses a 3.0-litre V6 engine combined with a lithium-ion battery pack to create well over 500 bhp and 500 lb ft (677Nm) of torque, yet can do more than 50mpg (5.6l per 100km) and produces only 129g/km.

Infiniti has already confirmed the car will eventually go into the production, and is expected to be on sale in ‘three to five’ years.

This article is an EV News Report repost, credit: Formula E.

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