Why cars will have multiple lives in the future

A guide to put an end to cars as ‘perishable’ goods.

It is now widely accepted that the current linear model governing consumer practices uses far too many resources and leads to extensive side-effects. In light of greenhouse gas emissions along with other forms of pollution and their impact on biodiversity, the world is in need of a paradigm shift. One that will also impact the automotive industry: “As a manufacturer of cars and automotive services, we have chosen to be a driving force and pave the way forward on all these issues,” said Gilles Meriadec, Project Director at the Refactory, about the Renew Factory, located on the Refactory site in Flins.

Created in 2021 and located in the Flins plant (founded in 1952), the site is entirely dedicated to the circular economy with the aim “to extend the lifespan of cars as much as possible,” as explained by Gilles Meriadec. “We are responsible for a car’s full lifecycle: from initial production, then maintenance during the middle of their lifecycle, then finishing with recycling or even reuse depending on the materials used.” From remanufacturing to modularity and retrofitting, here is an overview of six techniques and principles to better repair vehicles.

1. REMANUFACTURING

Remanufacturing refers to industrial processes that aim to restore used vehicles or parts to the same condition as if they were brand new.

“This means the same performance and the same guarantees as you would get with a new vehicle but 30% cheaper on average,” said Jean-Denis Curt, Expert Leader of 雷诺 ’s Circular Economy division. It isn’t a recent trend either; the Group has been remanufacturing mechanical parts for more than 70 years! Jean-Denis adds that the next step is to extend the same processes to electric motors.

2. RETROFITTING

Converting petrol and diesel ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles into electric ones is another of the Refactory’s activities. While the technical aspects have now been mastered, retrofitting raises a number of economic issues, explained Gilles Meriadec: it costs roughly €15,000 to €20,000 to retrofit a vehicle. A luxury that only a handful of owners with vintage cars like the first-generation Renault 5 can afford, he explained. “Our challenge as a manufacturer is to come up with an offer that as many people as possible find financially worthwhile; it has to apply to more than just a few vintage cars or to those who can afford the high price tag,” he continued, underlining the fact that some ICE cars, especially diesel, even those currently sold as new vehicles, will no longer be able to enter certain urban areas in a few years because of changes in regulations to reduce air-pollution. While prices are still too high for the time being, he explained that the Refactory “is currently working on prototypes to reduce costs“, especially for commercial vehicles (e.g. Renault Master).

3. SMART REPAIRS

Also located at the Refactory, the Renew Factory (for ‘Used Vehicle’) has already refurbished more than 20,000 cars since its opening in 2021. The site focuses mainly on ‘smart-repair’ techniques that are environmentally friendly, affordable, and fast. For example, following a minor accident, a smart repair would be to panel-beat dents in the bodywork without necessarily repainting the damaged area.

4. MINOR TOUCH-UPS

At the beginning of 2023, Renault launched a new offer called Refresh. The aim “is to give the vehicle a minor facelift with mechanical and bodywork maintenance”, as said Gilles Meriadec. Damages that would be covered by such a service include those which users generally consider as not being serious enough to repair (minor scratches, dents…) but, when there are many of them at the same time, would ultimately lead the car owner to consider changing vehicles. “Our offer is a clear message that says: don’t trade in your car when we can give it a new lease on life!”

5. SECOND-LIFE BATTERIES

At the Renault Group Flins site and in twenty other repair shops in Europe, batteries also are repaired. Once the maximum range of a battery falls below 70% of its original level or when a vehicle is no longer roadworthy, batteries are removed and given a ‘second life’! Used batteries can indeed be used for more than just transport, such as electricity storage when coupled with a source of renewable energy or in autonomous generators (a more environmentally friendly source of electricity than generators that run on fossil fuels).

6. MODULARITY

A modular vehicle, or a vehicle with readily replaceable components, is one that is much easier to repair. Take the seats, for example, the Group is currently working on them: “For now, you can’t replace the fabric if it’s stained or damaged, you have to replace the entire seat,” said Jean-Denis Curt.

Modularity also goes hand in hand with adaptability. “Imagine a car that is originally bought and owned in a hot climate, but then ends its life in a cold-climate country: the owner can more readily add a heat pad to the seat,” he added. Ultimately, by focusing on repairability, Renault Group is bringing about a paradigm shift. In a time driven by circular economy principles, it is becoming increasingly essential to not only recycle vehicles but also extend their life expectancy as much as possible. It is quite clear that repairable cars have a bright future!

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