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All-new Megane E-TECH Electric: delving into the heart of innovation - episode 2

Episode 2 - Smart cocoon: patented soundproofing

For nearly 125 years, Renault has been constantly seeking to innovate. Its inventions have stood the test of time and are still used even today with many people not even realising it. Direct drive gearbox (1899), replacement of the hand crank with an electric starter (1909), addition of the ‘5th door’ (1961), central opening (1983), hands-free key card (2000). All these and more are Renault designs. The All-new Megane E-TECH Electric – the first of Renault’s Nouvelle Vague – sees Renault still innovating. More than 300 patents have been lodged for the design of the vehicle and its platform, of which we have selected seven to showcase over the summer period. In this second article, Sofiane Amaanan, Project Manager for Development and Innovation at the Vehicle Engineering and Projects Division, explains how he enhanced soundproofing on the Megane E-TECH Electric thanks to a new material that acts as a buffer, cleverly placed between the vehicle’s floor plate and battery.

18 July 2022

On board the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric, one can't help but appreciate how quiet everything is. It is like you’re travelling inside a real cocoon. While electric motors are silent by design, this interior is also perfectly insulated from surrounding noises.

A patent is behind this acoustic comfort.

"To improve the vehicle's acoustics while saving space between the car’s floor and battery, we replaced the two heaviest floor components with a new cushioning foam. It provides complete coverage for the battery in a single piece and helps to enhance the level of silence within the passenger compartment. The interior becomes much like a real cocoon. “

Sofiane Amaanan, Project Manager for Development and Innovation at the Vehicle Engineering and Projects Division

What the innovation brings

The new soundproofing on the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric boasts a number of advantages:

  • Improved vehicle sound insulation (-10dB)
  • Improved space for passengers
  • improved battery life with a weight drop of more than 3kg

A brand-new process

The inventors behind the latest system removed the old soundproofing features located under the carpet – including a large amount of resin – and placed a brand-new patented cushioning foam under the floor panel of the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric. The foam moulds perfectly to the shape of the floor above and the battery casing structure below. When compressed, it acts by absorbing vibrations to reduce the amount of sound waves spreading through the floor, thereby enhancing the feeling of silence inside the passenger compartment.

The innovative foam also made it possible to reduce the floor’s thickness that meant more room for passengers and a reduced overall weight, which in turn meant better energy efficiency and therefore greater range.

To find out more

‘Smart cocoon’ patent reference:
Patent FR1874186 – Inventors: Sofiane Amaanan and Charles Zhang

> Watch the 2nd video of our summer series <

Guillaume Jolit

Head of product Communication Renault

+33 6 08 50 45 52

 

Yann Chénot

Renault Press Officer, Electric vehicles & Ecosystems, Renault Classic

+33 6 25 63 22 34



Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. With the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.

Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. With the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.