Renault’s EV strategy signals end of fuel-only cars in Europe

Renault plans to stop selling fuel-only cars in Europe by 2030, marking one of the clearest signals yet that traditional petrol engines may soon disappear from the continent’s showrooms.

The French carmaker unveiled the plan as part of a multi-year strategy aimed at boosting sales of Renault-branded vehicles by nearly 23% to two million units annually by 2030.

Last year, however, the transition was still far from complete. About 40% of Renault vehicles sold in Europe were powered solely by fossil fuels.

Push Toward the Electrified Vehicles Market

Under the strategy, Renault said it aims for 100% electrified sales in Europe by 2030, including hybrids, while targeting 50% electrified vehicles outside Europe.

The company also plans to expand electric offerings at its budget brand Dacia. The brand currently sells one electric model but plans to increase that number to four.

Renault expects to launch 22 new models in Europe, including 16 electric vehicles, alongside 14 models for international markets.

Building a New Electric Vehicle Platform

A key part of the plan involves building a new electric vehicle platform together with Google.

Renault said the platform will run on Android-based carOS, enabling 90% of vehicle functions to be updated remotely, similar to software updates on smartphones.

The system is also expected to support ultra-fast charging technology, potentially allowing vehicles to charge in as little as 10 minutes.

Profit Pressure and Industry Divide

Despite the push, electric vehicles remain less profitable for the automaker.

Renault’s automotive operating margin fell from 7.6% in 2024 to 6.3% last year, and the company expects it to drop further to 5.5% next year.

Chief executive François Provost said the company’s goal is to produce vehicles in Europe that are “best-in-class in terms of desirability, technology and competitiveness.”

The strategy contrasts with rival Stellantis, which recently announced a €22-billion write-down on its EV operations, citing weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles.

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