Renault on the path to sustainable development

In response to the ecological challenge, Renault is partnering with Vectrix, the world leader in high-performance zero-emission electric motorcycles.

Special editions of the ING Renault F1 Team Vectrix VX-1 scooter were unveiled and used for the first time at the Barcelona F1 Grand Prix, to contribute to environmental protection during on-site travel for drivers and the team throughout all the F1 Grand Prix of the season.

Vectrix completely breaks with preconceived notions about the slowness and short range of usual electric scooters. Its electric vehicle technology provides a fast, clean, comfortable, and pleasantly designed means of transport for all needs. The scooters run exclusively on the power of nickel-metal hybrid batteries, with an acceleration of 0 to 80km/h in 6.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 100km/h. Renault will therefore not compromise on performance.

Bob Bell, Technical Director at Renault F1 Team commented: « As an entity of the Renault Group, we are aware of our responsibility to do everything possible to reduce and offset our carbon emissions. Vectrix is a practical and innovative way to move forward in our ecological policy. It is an excellent product: flexible, fast, attractive, easy to use, very pleasant, and with an appealing design for our Grand Prix team. »

John Schnorr, Europe Manager at Vectrix added: « We are very proud to be a partner of the ING Renault F1 Team. We are thus demonstrating that our electric vehicles are so efficient that their use can be adapted to fields as demanding as Formula 1. Our scooters use high-tech patented technology, such as our DAartTM regenerative braking system, which is equivalent to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) – this season’s revolution in terms of engine technical development. »

The patented DAartTM system of the VX-1 provides additional power by capturing the energy created by the resistance produced during the reverse throttle action to slow down and brake. Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) are currently only used in motorsport and are being developed for road vehicles. Vectrix is currently the first and only road vehicle in the world to use this technology.

Vectrix is developing other equally sophisticated approaches such as a gearbox and high-performance transmissions, aluminum structures to reduce weight and increase the longevity of our products, and a more aerodynamic design to reduce air resistance.

According to a statement from the Renault F1 Team