All-new Megane E-TECH Electric: delving into the heart of innovation - episode 5

The goal for the architects working on the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric’s platform was to increase roominess inside without altering volume outside, to keep the car compact. They had to blaze a new trail to free up space in the cockpit and give Design Department free rein to slim down the dashboard as much as possible.

“We decided to transfer some of the components of the heating and air conditioning unit to the area where the engine and the associated parts usually go. We managed to pull that off because electric engines are much smaller than combustion engines. But it was mostly thanks to the creativity of Renault engineers, who invented a patented fastening system to make it happen.”

Marc Yvetot, platform architecture expert at Renault’s Engineering Department

What the innovations brings

Shifting the heating and air conditioning unit under the bonnet provides several benefits:

• More space in the central area (nearly 7 litres) to build storage compartments and a wireless charger for smartphones, adding to user comfort and convenience.
• Leaner dashboard and large screens integration combined into a modern interior design to enhance driver and passengers well-being.

A brand-new process

Renault’s engineers came up with an idea: relocating the bulky heating and air conditioning unit, which takes up a lot of space in the passenger compartment, to the engine compartment of Megane E-TECH Electric, as close as possible to the front axle of this traction. 

To do this, they developed a new fastening system that meets the unit’s vibration and mechanical requirements, and fitted it onto the panel separating the compartments.

This system uses nuts and bolts to fasten two panel reinforcements to the four linked legs holding the heating and air conditioning unit.

In the end, this clever workaround enabled the Design Department to unleash its creativity.

To find out more

Patent reference:

• Fastening system for the heating and air conditioning unit in the electric engine compartment:
  Patent PJ17 5256 – Inventors: Stevens Luron, Max Lamarre.

Stevens Luron

Max Lamarre

> Watch the 5^th video of our series <