Renault Rafale plug-in with 100 km autonomy – Porsche Macan, production begins – Ok to Tesla for Grunheide – Autonomous buses at Roland Garros / Flash week.
Get to 100+ km of autonomy in electric is becoming the norm for the new plug-in hybrid models. In Week Volkswagen announced for the new Golf eHybrid a range of 143 km. Now Renault presents the Rafale E-Tech with a battery from 22 kWh (there Smart EQ only electric, for comparison, has it 18…). Autonomy goes up to 100km (WLTP approval). The greater power of this version was obtained, in particular, with the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle. In addition to the 4Control Advanced system, Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp is equipped with rear-wheel steering and rear-wheel drive. Available in two setups, Esprit Alpine and Alpine Atelierthe Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp will be marketed starting from autumn 2024.
Porsche has started production of the new electric Macan at its Leipzig plant, thanks to an investment of 600 million euros. However, the plant remains characterized by maximum flexibility, with the possibility of building cars petrol, hybrid or electric only on the same assembly line. The German brand predicts that in 2030 over 80% of deliveries will be EV models: “At Porsche we are convinced that electromobility is the future. It is the common task of economy, politics and society to carry forward the transformation of mobility together“, explained the President Oliver Blume, which is also the no.1 of Volkswagen Group. “But, this transformation is not happening at the same speed everywhere. That’s why rwe remain flexible, with an interesting product portfolio. And with three different types of powertrains, namely emotional combustion engines, efficient plug-in hybrids and fully electric models. The Porsche plant in Leipzig is a pioneer in this regard flexibility and sustainability. For Porsche, but also for the automotive industry as a whole“. Watch our video presentation of the Macan here.
Tesla won the battle to expand the German factory of Grunheide, near Berlin, where it currently only produces Model Y. The local authorities, despite an escalation of protest demonstrations, have given the final green light. The plant can now be expanded eastwards by 118 hectares to build a freight station, with the consequent deforestation of 50 hectares of forest. The Brandenburg municipality expects the rail connection to significantly reduce traffic, as cars have so far only been transported via car transporters. In February 62.1% of participants in a public consultation had voted against the expansion, but that vote was not binding on the final decision. Closed on a formal and authorization level, the matter however seems open to new protests, already announced by the local committees. At the beginning of March in the factory had occurred Also arson.
Renault again: the French company will experiment with an electric and autonomous shuttle service to facilitate access at Roland-Garros in Paris, during the most important tennis tournament in the world on clay. Objective: demonstrate the maturity of new technologies for automated public transport services. From the May 26th to June 9th, from 11.00 to 19.00, this experimental service will allow you to go from the P2 car park (located near the Bois-de-Boulogne) to Roland-Garros. And, at the end of the matches, to leave the stadium to reach Place de la Porte d’Auteuil or return to the P2 car park. Renault has started a new collaboration with WeRidea leading company in autonomous driving, for the large-scale commercial development of vehicles with autonomy level L4. That is, capable of managing driving situations on their own within a set range of action, with remote supervision, but without an operator on board.
