Renault says its software architecture developed with Google, Qualcomm will be on par with Tesla by 2026

Renault claims the new software architecture of its future vehicles will be on par with that of electric-vehicle industry leader Tesla Inc. by 2026

According to the French automaker, a "software-defined vehicle" design, developed with Google and Qualcomm Inc, will be at the heart of its future electric-vehicle entity, "Ampere".

The design will considerably reduce complexity by allowing to have just 20 processors on board to run a car instead of the currently required hundred.

This will also allow for updates to be made remotely without touching the hardware.

Renault's chief digital officer, Frédéric Vincent, insists that the design is similar to Tesla's and that in 2026 they are going to have the same EV architecture approach.

"In 2026, we will be at the level of Tesla in "software-defined vehicles", according to Renault's head of engineering, Gilles Le Borgne,

With constant updates of driving and infotainment features being made possible, the architecture should improve the cars’ resale value that will support the pricing power of the company, and avoid 1.5 billion euros of Research & Development (R&D) expenses in a decade.

However, the total cost balance should be neutral after taking into account the investment required for the new architecture and the price of the more advanced processors, Le Borgne said.

The "Flexevan" electric van program for last-mile delivery will inaugurate Renault's new architecture around mid-2026, followed by the sporty Alpine brand and then by all models of the Renault brand.

In France, the list price of the Tesla Model 3 now starts at the same level as the Renault Mégane electric, around 42,000 euros ($46,318).

Though Renault's CEO, Luca de Meo, acknowledged that Tesla remains a "challenge in the short term," he said his company will not engage in a price war on electric vehicles.

Le Borgne said they don't want to do what they previously did, as they want to sell their cars and not give them away.