Renault electrifies major line-up in hybrid push

Renault is going to introduce hybrid versions of its top-selling models, the French automaker stated on Monday, as the European auto industry races to meet tightening emissions targets.

Starting in 2020, the company is going to present a gasoline-electric hybrid Clio subcompact and rechargeable plug-in hybrid variants of its Captur mini-SUV and Megane hatchback.

“What you’re seeing now is the unfolding of electric cars at a pace that is going to vary from one company to another,” stated Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, during an event on the eve of the Paris Motor Show.

Renault also verified the 2019 launch of a low-cost K-ZE electric model in China, manufactured in a Renault-Nissan joint venture revealed last year with Dongfeng.

The French brand’s offering on the new shared electric-vehicle platform is going to have a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles), Renault stated, without providing details of costs.

However, Ghosn has earlier talked about plans to “change the game” with a low-cost electric car cost below $8,000 after Chinese incentives – and eventually without them.