The Renault R-Type is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor used in Renault’s EV lineup from 2020 onward. It features a single-speed reduction gearbox, liquid-cooled stator windings, and integrated power electronics. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 245 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban acceleration and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and Nissan Ariya (via Renault–Nissan Alliance), the R-Type was designed for compact packaging, high energy efficiency, and low acoustic signature. Emissions compliance is inherently zero-tailpipe, meeting EU CO₂ fleet targets under Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
One documented concern is inverter capacitor degradation under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin 88 05 12. This issue is often linked to repeated fast-charging cycles combined with high ambient temperatures. From 2023 onward, revised inverter cooling ducting and upgraded capacitor materials were introduced to mitigate thermal stress.
All production years 2020–present meet EU zero tailpipe emissions requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8842).
The Renault R-Type is a 110 kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor engineered for compact and crossover EVs (2020–present). It combines liquid-cooled windings with an integrated inverter and single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant torque and high energy efficiency. Designed for zero tailpipe emissions, it supports WLTP ranges up to 470 km depending on battery configuration.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) | |
| Peak power | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Peak torque | 245 Nm | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled stator and inverter | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed reduction (ratio: 9.66:1) | |
| Inverter | Integrated SiC-based power electronics | |
| Voltage system | 400 V nominal | |
| Weight (motor + gearbox) | 112 kg | |
| Efficiency peak | ≥95% (at 3,000–8,000 rpm) | |
| Max speed | 13,000 rpm | |
| Emissions | Zero tailpipe | |
| Coolant type | Renault EV Coolant Type A (blue, ethylene glycol-based) | |
| IP rating | IP67 (motor housing) | |
| Control protocol | CAN FD over vehicle network | |
| Regenerative braking | Up to 0.25g deceleration, blended with friction brakes |
The R-Type motor provides instant torque ideal for urban driving but requires periodic inspection of the inverter cooling circuit and coolant condition to prevent thermal degradation. Renault EV Coolant Type A must be replaced every 8 years or 160,000 km to maintain dielectric integrity and corrosion protection. Frequent DC fast charging in hot climates accelerates capacitor aging in early units (2020–2022); post-2023 models feature improved thermal management per Renault SIB 88 05 12. No oil changes are required, but gearbox oil (Renault EV Gear Oil) must be replaced at 120,000 km to protect reduction gears.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions apply to all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8842). CO₂ compliance calculated on well-to-wheel basis per EU Regulation 2019/631.
Coolant Specs: Requires Renault EV Coolant Type A (blue) specification (Renault SIB 88 05 12). Not interchangeable with hybrid or ICE coolant formulations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 18487 standards for electric propulsion systems. Output assumes 400 V battery at ≥20°C ambient (Renault TIS Doc. M99100).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M99010, M99015, M99020, SIB 88 05 12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8842)
ISO 18487: Electrically propelled road vehicles — Test specifications for electric drive systems
The Renault R-Type electric motor is used across Renault's BEV platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Nissan under the Renault–Nissan Alliance. This drive unit received platform-specific adaptations—revised suspension geometry in the Megane E-Tech and enhanced thermal shielding in the Ariya—and from 2023 the updated inverter cooling, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the motor code stamped on the rear housing near the high-voltage connector (Renault TIS M99010). The 7th VIN digit for Renault EVs indicates drive unit family ('R' for R-Type series). Pre-2023 units have silver inverter housings with standard cooling ducts; post-2023 use black housings with enlarged ducting. Critical differentiation from R-Type 160: R-Type 110 has 150 PS output and single motor; R-Type 160 (218 PS) is dual-motor AWD. Inverter replacement requires verification of production date—early capacitors are incompatible with later thermal management layouts (Renault SIB 88 05 12).
The R-Type's primary reliability risk is inverter capacitor degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent DC fast charging in hot climates. Renault internal data from 2023 indicated a measurable increase in inverter fault codes for pre-2023 units exceeding 80,000 km with >200 fast charges, while UK DVSA records show minimal MOT failures due to the absence of tailpipe emissions. Thermal management and charging habits make capacitor longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2021–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT R-TYPE-EMOTOR.
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