Renault Shows Electric Vehicle Innovation
Renault’s “Renaulution” Plan Underway
Electrification of Renault’s Popular Vehicles
Renault is making headlines with its latest electric vehicle (EV) developments, even as the global EV market faces challenges. Issues like declining sales and a flood of used EVs on the market have caused concern, but the shift toward electrification remains strong. Renault, with its “Renaulution” plan, is at the forefront of this transition, continuing to launch new EV models despite market fluctuations.
The latest news centers around Renault’s new electric vehicle, the Renault 5 E-Tech, which was recently spotted in the UK. First unveiled at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, the Renault 5 E-Tech strongly resembles the original Renault 5, continuing the retro trend that Renault is using to breathe new life into its lineup. However, Renault’s EV push doesn’t stop with the Renault 5. The company is working on electrifying its iconic models, including the Megane, Scenic, Twingo, and Renault 4, as part of the Renaulution strategy.
The retro trend has spread overseas as Renault reinterprets its classic models
The retro-inspired Renault 5 E-Tech, spotted driving recently, remains almost identical to the compact 5-door version that was unveiled at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. As part of its broader EV strategy, Renault has ambitious plans to electrify its key models, including the Megane, Scenic, and Twingo. Naturally, the Renault 4, another iconic model, is also being transformed into an electric vehicle as part of this initiative.
The Renault 4 E-Tech, first shown as the 4Ever Trophy concept in 2022, has been tested in camouflage. Its blunt and wide front end, a standout feature of the concept, has been carried over to the production model. The production version maintains a similar overall design but has a lower body than the concept car, and door handles have been added for practicality. Beyond these changes, the model remains largely faithful to the concept, with the same uniquely styled rectangular taillights. Renault appears to have made only minor adjustments to the design between the front and rear of the vehicle, keeping its classic yet modern look intact.
It seems the concept car will launch unchanged, sharing a platform with the Renault 5
The black or white steel wheels spotted on the Renault 4 E-Tech test vehicle seem to be exclusive to the prototype, and the final production model is expected to showcase different, more refined wheels. Similarly, the headlights, though covered with camouflage tape, shine brightly and retain the round shape reminiscent of the concept car, likely inspired by the headlights of the original first-generation Renault 4.
The Renault 4 E-Tech will be built on the same CMF-B EV platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech, suggesting it will share many technical aspects with its sibling. However, the 4 E-Tech will offer more headroom and increased trunk space, making it a more spacious option for drivers seeking practicality alongside electric performance. While detailed interior images haven’t been leaked yet, the Renault 4 E-Tech is expected to feature a modern dashboard setup, including dual screens—a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system, much like its counterpart, the 5 E-Tech.
The Renault 5 will debut next year, while the 4 will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in this coming October
The Renault 4 E-Tech’s powertrain has been the subject of much speculation. While some rumors suggest it might feature a twin-turbo engine, it is more likely that it will share the same powertrain options as the Renault 5 E-Tech. The 5 E-Tech offers two electric motor configurations: one producing 122 horsepower paired with a 40kWh battery and another producing 150 horsepower with a 52kWh battery. Since the Renault 5 E-Tech is set to launch in the UK in early 2025, it’s expected that the 4 E-Tech will follow soon after, with more detailed information emerging closer to its release.
The production version of the 4 E-Tech is scheduled to debut at the Paris Motor Show in this October. The pricing of both cars has not been set yet, but the 5 E-Tech could be priced at about 25,000 euros (US$33,000), slightly higher than the current Renault 5, which is traded at about 30,000 euros (US$27,850) in the European market. The 4 E-Tech is also expected to be priced at a similar price.
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