Renault Eolab concept returns 235 mpg US

EOLAB IS A SHOWCASE FOR RENAULT’S INNOVATIONS IN FAVOUR OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND RISES TO THE CHALLENGE OF ULTRA-LOW FUEL CONSUMPTION

No, that isn’t a typo. Renault has recently unveiled a three-door hatchback that they claim will do 235 mpg on American roads. It’s called the Eolab, and it’s hitting the show stage at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

But how does one manage to make a car that’s so efficient? When you partner a drag coefficient of just 0.235, with light weight and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder hybrid engine, it returns some impressive figures. You get the aforementioned 235 mpg US, with an electric only range of 37.2 miles.

Total output sits at 143 horsepower. That’s 75 horsepower coming from the gas engine, and 68 horsepower coming from the electric motor. And thanks to an extremely light build, the car weighs 882 lbs less than its Clio cousin. Even better yet, the whole car just looks really cool.

I know the question you’re all already asking, ‘Will this thing ever be built?” No, probably not. Renault says that the Eolab likely won’t make be hitting production. But the good news is that it has “100 new and realistic technological developments that are designed to be introduced on upcoming Renault vehicles.” Meaning Renault could hypothetically build a car in the future with some impressive mpg figures.

So maybe one day we will see a 200 mpg Renault on the streets. One day..