The Renault 5 electric: back with a vengeance
Renault 5 electric: retro design revisited
The R5 E-Tech takes its design cues from the original Renault 5, giving it a retro yet modern look. On the outside, it retains emblematic elements such as the rectangular LED headlamps, widened wheel arches, slimmed-down roof profile, full grille and rectangular LED taillights.
Modernity comes in the form of bright yellow accents on fog lamps, wheels and monograms, sleek alloy wheels, an optional panoramic sunroof, vivid colors such as Klein Blue, Topaz Yellow and Vibrant Orange, and the "5" logo in several places on the body.
The interior combines modernity and nostalgia, with a customizable 10-inch digital instrument panel, a 7-inch (or optional 9.3-inch) central touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, high-end materials, comfortable seats and a sleek design with bright yellow accents.
With dimensions of 3.89 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width, 1.55 meters in height and a wheelbase of 2.48 meters, the Renault 5 E-Tech seduces with its successful design, modern technologies and dynamic performance, brilliantly combining retro charm and electric modernity.
Renault 5 electric: 400 km range for a stress-free drive, perfect for daily commuting
The Renault 5 marks the beginning of the era of the AmpR Small platform, formerly known as CMF-BEV. Designed for electric carsthe base was derived from the Clio's combustion platform, enabling Renault significant cost savings. For example, the front axle is identical to that of the Clio, while the rear adopts a multi-link geometry, a notable advantage for a vehicle in this category. Renault aims to offer an urban electric driving experience that is both enjoyable and dynamic.
To reduce costs, Renault has optimized the battery design. From launch, the R5 will be equipped with a 52 kWh battery, similar to that of the Zoé, but simplified to just four modules instead of twelve. Renault has opted for NMC(Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry rather than LFP, which takes up more space but costs less.
Thanks to this 52 kWh battery, Renault promises a range of 400 km, more than sufficient for a city car. This capacity is complemented by a 110 kW (150 hp) motor, enabling the R5 to reach 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds.
Renault relies on wound-rotor synchronous technology, upgraded from that used in the Mégane, to gain in lightness and compactness. The new braking system, combining braking and ESP in a single module, frees up space under the hood, even though there is no trunk at the front.
Eventually, Renault plans to introduce a 40 kWh battery, made up of three modules, offering a range of around 300 km. Models equipped with this battery will be available with 70 kW (95 hp) and 90 kW (120 hp) motors.
In terms of recharging, the R5 will be equipped with an 11 kW charger as standard. Models equipped with the 52 kWh battery will be able to benefit from rapid DC charging up to 100 kW. Versions with the 40 kWh and 120 hp battery will be limited to 80 kW, this option not being available for less powerful versions.
What's more, most models feature an 11 kW on-board charger offering bi-directional charging capabilities, including V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) options. V2L enables small electrical appliances to be connected and powered, while V2G can deliver savings of up to 50% on home charging costs, by charging the vehicle when electricity rates are low and selling the electricity back to the grid during price peaks. This requires a charging station and a suitable electricity contract.
To simplify charging on the move, the R5's Open R Link multimedia system includes a route planner and Plug & Charge functionality, enabling automatic management of charging and billing simply by plugging in.
The Renault 5 electric: less than 30,000 euros with the ecological bonus
The Renault 5 electric will be available for less than 30,000, with the 4,000-euro environmental bonus deducted.
- The Techno version with 52 kWh battery (410 km range) will be priced at 33,490 euros. After deduction of the 4,000 euro environmental bonus, the price will be reduced to 29,490 euros.
- On a 37-month long-term leasing contract, the Techno version will be available from 280 euros/month with an initial rental of 3,500 euros, after deduction of the 4,000 euro environmental bonus and the 1,500 euro conversion bonus.
However, the entry-level version with 40 kWh battery (300 km range), advertised at 25,000 euros excluding bonus, will not be available until 2025. If the 4,000-euro eco-bonus is maintained, this version could be offered from 21,000 euros.
In short, from its launch at the end of 2024, the Renault 5 electric will be available for less than 30,000 euros thanks to the ecological bonus, but only for the Techno version with long-range battery.
The Renault 5 electric: what are the competing city cars?
The Renault 5 electric car will have several competitors in the small urban electric car market:
Citroën ë-C3
The Citroën ë-C3 is one of the Renault 5's main rivals. With a 44 kWh battery, it offers a range of 320 km WLTP. Prices start from 19,300 euros with the environmental bonus, some 10,000 euros less than the Renault 5.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 shares its technical platform with the electric Opel Corsa. It will be a direct competitor to the Renault 5, with a slightly more premium positioning.
Opel Corsa electric
Like the Peugeot e-208, theOpel Corsa will rival the Renault 5 in the electric city car segment.
Lancia Ypsilon electric
Planned for 2024, the electric Lancia Ypsilon will bring a more upmarket touch with a premium positioning. It will share its technical base with the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel Corsa.
Mini electric
Although slightly more expensive, the new electric Miniproduced in China, will also be a competitor for the Renault 5, especially for its top-of-the-range versions and the Alpine A290.
Broadly speaking, the Renault 5 electric's main rivals will be the electric city cars from the Stellantis groups (Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot e-208, Opel Corsa, Lancia Ypsilon) and the electric Mini.
Overview of the Renault 5 electric and competing city cars
| Car | Battery (kWh) | WLTP range (km) | Electricity consumption (kWh/100 km) | Max. recharge power (DC) | 80% recharge time (minutes) | Base price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Citroën ë-C3 |
44 |
320 |
13.2 |
100 kW |
25 |
27800 |
|
Peugeot e-208 |
50 |
360 |
14.8 |
100 kW |
30 |
29800 |
|
Opel Corsa electric |
50 |
360 |
14.8 |
100kW |
30 |
28200 |
|
Lancia Ypsilon electric |
50 |
480 |
13.8 |
100kW |
30 |
30000
|
|
Mini Electric |
32.4 |
230 |
16.3 |
60kW |
38 |
30200 |
|
Renault 5 E-Tech (52 kWh) |
52 |
410 |
14.9 |
130kW |
24 |
33490 |
Conclusion
The Renault 5 electric combines a modernized retro design with cutting-edge technology, offering a range of 400 km thanks to a 52 kWh battery. Available for less than 30,000 euros after the environmental bonus, it offers dynamic, comfortable driving for urban journeys.
Against rivals such as the Citroën ë-C3 and the Peugeot e-208, it stands out for its style and performance.
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