Skip advert
Advertisement

EVs outlasting ICE cars says Renault boss

Electric car batteries are holding up very well against the test of time

Renault Zoe - front tracking

Electric vehicles will have greater long-term life than petrol or diesel models according to Renault, with the company’s CEO Luca de Meo saying batteries are proving to have more longevity than early predictions.

“EVs will last longer than ICE because there are fewer moving parts; contrary to what people thought would happen, batteries are lasting a lot longer than they were expected to,” said de Meo at the launch of a new partnership with recycling expert SUEZ. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The goal of the new venture is to develop the “circular economy” and use more recycled materials in new car production, plus increase the usage of recycled parts as replacements in existing cars. It also aims to tighten up the collection and treatment of vehicles at the end of their life to reuse and recycle more components.

As well as being more environmentally friendly, the reusing, refurbishing, repairing and remanufacturing of replacement parts will, according to Renault, lead to lower costs for drivers of older cars, helping to extend the usable life of vehicles by making them cheaper to repair. 

The tie-up with SUEZ  is designed to help Renault to position itself among what it described as the “standard-setters in the automotive industry’s circular economy”. It sees the environmental expert take a 20 per cent stake in a company called The Future is Neutral, with Renault owning the other 80 per cent. The company is aiming to attract other carmakers, as well as equipment manufacturers, distributors, insurers and private customers. 

Low costs and even lower emissions! These are the cheapest electric cars on sale...

Skip advert
Advertisement

As Editor, Paul’s job is to steer the talented group of people that work across Auto Express and Driving Electric, and steer the titles to even bigger and better things by bringing the latest important stories to our readers. Paul has been writing about cars and the car industry since 2000, working for consumer and business magazines as well as freelancing for national newspapers, industry titles and a host of major publications.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault Bridger baby SUV could be coming to Europe, but as a Dacia
Renault Bridger - front

New Renault Bridger baby SUV could be coming to Europe, but as a Dacia

Work is underway to see if the chunky, Indian-built utility vehicle could build a bridge to Europe
News
12 Mar 2026
New Renault Espace's return to MPV roots trailed by R-Space Lab concept
Renault R-Space Lab concept - front

New Renault Espace's return to MPV roots trailed by R-Space Lab concept

The R-Space Lab concept shows that the Espace’s SUV identity crisis is set to be reversed in the new model, around 2030
News
12 Mar 2026
Renault Calvin is an industry-first humanoid robot that’s already helping build cars
Renault Calvin - front bending over to pick up tyre

Renault Calvin is an industry-first humanoid robot that’s already helping build cars

The tyre-hauling exoskeleton is working on the Renault Douai factory supply line, and will be joined by 350 headless brothers
News
12 Mar 2026
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
11 Mar 2026

Most Popular

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists
Speeding camera

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists

The new type of radar-based speed cameras are currently being trialled in London
News
19 Mar 2026
Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’
airport parking

Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’

The price of a 15-minute drop off now costs £10, while a 30-minute stop incurs a £28 charge
News
20 Mar 2026
10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - March 2026 header image

10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm

These are fresh SUVs we can’t wait to arrive, from Skoda’s butch baby electric SUV to McLaren’s loftiest creation ever
Best cars & vans
20 Mar 2026

Find a car with the experts