Renault takes inspiration from smartphones to equip the Mégane E-Tech Electric with a large display

According to foreign media reports, French automaker Renault has developed an electronic architecture for its new flagship electric car , the Mégane E-Tech Electric, which features numerous innovations and advanced driver assistance systems. In order to achieve visual visibility of the architecture, Renault has equipped the E-Tech Electric with a particularly large integrated display: an L-shaped display. The display consists of a vertically arranged 12-inch center console touch screen and a 12-inch horizontal instrument panel behind the steering wheel, with a total surface area of ​​774 square centimeters, making it the largest Renault in-vehicle display.

(Image source: Renault)

Renault's developers said they were inspired by smartphones when designing the screen, including the technology and how it is used. Marc, Renault's experience design director, said: "We got inspiration from the user's experience with smartphones, so users can quickly get familiar with the screen and get the same experience on the car screen. The screen is six times the size of a mobile phone screen. So the driver can get a more comfortable driving experience. The driver can still use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but basically no longer needs to use the phone."

Currently, Renault is working with companies such as Google to develop user interactions and with Qualcomm to develop hardware. Google has extensive experience in processor manufacturing in the smartphone business and can provide its expertise in connectivity, digital cockpits, and visualization. In addition, Qualcomm is using its platform and driver assistance technology to lay the foundation for the next generation of cars and even self-driving cars. South Korea's LG Electronics is also involved in the collaboration to develop a software platform for coupling the two screens.

Renault said that the interactive design still faces many challenges, such as the controls and buttons on the steering wheel. Designers want to put as many functions as possible on the steering wheel to keep the center console slim but not affect the driver's view of the dashboard. Therefore, designers chose a smaller, flatter steering wheel with a compact plate that allows a good view of the instrument panel.

The display also features an openR screen made of tough aluminosilicate Gorilla Glass, which is also durable and robust. Gorilla Glass is extremely impact- and scratch-resistant, with an estimated lifespan of 15 years. Its anti-reflective coating ensures high-contrast images even under strong lighting.