Alpine A290
| File:Renault 2021.svg Renault logo | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Founder | Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Luca de Meo (CEO) |
| Products | Automobiles, electric vehicles |
| Owner | Groupe Renault |
| Website | www |
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a B-segment battery electric car manufactured by the French automaker Renault starting in 2024. Drawing design inspiration from the classic Renault 5, the vehicle was first introduced through a concept model in January 2021 and later officially revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2024.
Development
The creation of the Renault 5 E-Tech began with a full-scale orange design mockup presented to Renault's CEO, Luca de Meo, at the Renault Technocentre located in Guyancourt during July 2020. Initially conceived by designer François Leboine as an experimental project for a compact electric vehicle, the concept was initially dismissed since Renault was not pursuing retro-inspired designs at that time. However, De Meo recognized its potential and instructed the design team to advance it into a working prototype, which was completed by October 2020. This prototype, known as the Renault 5 Prototype, became emblematic of Renault’s electric vision called Renaulution, announced on 14 January 2021.
De Meo highlighted the necessity of having a flagship model that "express their DNA more than any of the others," referencing iconic vehicles such as the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Golf. He was deeply involved throughout development, leading rigorous design debates that resulted in significant modifications. The project earned the nickname "boss’s car" among employees due to De Meo’s demand for perfection.
Renault shortened its usual four-year development timeframe to three years by utilizing the CMF-B platform as a foundation. The vehicle incorporates around 1,100 components, many of which are shared with other CMF-B platform models like the Clio V and Renault 4 E-Tech.
In October 2022, Renault demonstrated its "industrial metaverse" technology at the Flins manufacturing facility, soon to be converted into the Re-Factory. Among these innovations was a virtual reality simulation of a paint booth featuring a camouflaged-free 3D visualization of the production version of the Renault 5 EV.
By March 2023, automotive journalists had the opportunity to test a development mule resembling the production model scheduled for launch in 2024. From July 2023, 'vehicle check' prototypes with bodies and chassis close to final specifications began undergoing testing, also serving to validate manufacturing procedures. Earlier prototypes had utilized Clio bodies mounted on the CMF-BEV platform.
Concept car
An electric version of the Renault 5 was unveiled in January 2021 as part of Groupe Renault's "Renaulution" strategy for 2021–2025 and beyond, under the "Nouvelle Vague" (New Wave) initiative. This plan aims to establish the most extensive range of electrified and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2025.
The R5 prototype is built on a compact battery electric adaptation of the Renault–Nissan Common Module Family platform, initially named CMF–B EV and later rebranded as AmpR Small. This architecture will support future small electric vehicles, including a revived electric Renault 4. While Renault first stated that the R5 EV would not replace the Zoe, this position was subsequently revised. By unifying both platform and battery technologies, production expenses are projected to decrease by one-third compared to the Zoe, utilizing parts from the CMF-B platform employed in the Clio V. The Renault 5 EV shares its underlying architecture with the upcoming Nissan Micra EV.
Styling
The design direction was led by a team under Gilles Vidal, drawing inspiration from the original Renault 5 while incorporating elements influenced by consumer electronics, furniture design, and sports equipment. Vidal joined Renault in November 2020, after initial design phases had begun. The iconic double-diamond Renault emblem, originally crafted by Victor Vasarely and his son Jean-Pierre (also known as Yvaral) for the 1972 R5, was refreshed and illuminated for the R5 EV prototype. This logo update, commissioned from Landor & Fitch in 2019, was intended for implementation across Renault’s entire model range by 2020.
Early concept sketches were created by François Leboine. Upon joining Renault in July 2020 from Fiat—where he oversaw the launch of the Fiat 500 (2007)—Luca de Meo recognized the opportunity to revive the R5 nameplate. The exterior design of the R5 Prototype was executed by Nicolas Jardin. Although configured as a five-door hatchback, the rear door handles are discreetly integrated to recall both the original three-door model from 1972 and the five-door variant introduced in 1979.
Powertrain
According to Renault’s Executive Vice President for Engineering, Gilles le Borgne, pricing for the Renault 5 EV will start around €20,000 to €25,000. It offers two battery capacities: 40 kWh and 52 kWh, with the larger battery providing an estimated driving range of . These batteries utilize lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistry. The 40 kWh option is paired with either a or motor, whereas the 52 kWh battery is coupled with a motor. An optional DC fast charging system supports up to 130 kW, matching that of the Renault Mégane E-Tech. The charging inlet is situated on the bonnet behind a flap on the left side, designed to echo the original R5’s air intake.
Manufacturing
Production of the Renault 5 E-Tech will take place at Renault ElectriCity, an industrial cluster combining facilities in Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz located in northern France. Assembly will be conducted at Douai, incorporating components manufactured at Ruitz and an electric motor produced at Cléon. Initial prototypes were assembled at the Technocentre near Paris, with over sixty units constructed for testing prior to mass production.
Order Availability in France and the United Kingdom
Renault has opened reservations for the electric Renault 5 model slated for 2025, with customer deliveries anticipated to commence in late 2025 or during 2026.
Alpine A290
The Alpine A290 represents a performance-oriented edition crafted by Automobiles Alpine and assembled at the Douai facility within Renault ElectriCity. Conceived by designer Raphaël Linari, it shares the front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration and AmpR Small platform found in the Renault 5 E-Tech. However, it distinguishes itself with a broader track and a more robust traction motor sourced from the Mégane E-Tech, rated at 160 kW.
Initially revealed as the A290_β prototype in May 2023, the production version of the A290 was officially introduced on June 13, 2024, just prior to the 24 Hours of Le Mans event. The entry-level GT Premium variant produces 180 hp through its electric motor, while the higher-spec GTS model offers 220 hp and accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Both versions are equipped with a 52 kWh battery pack that enables an estimated driving range near 380 km.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
On March 17, 2025, Renault unveiled the limited-run Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a significantly enhanced reinterpretation of the Renault 5 E-Tech that pays tribute to the iconic wide-body hatchback of the 1980s known as the Renault 5 Turbo. Production is capped at 1,980 units—commemorating the original model’s debut year—with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. This edition features rear-wheel propulsion via in-wheel motors delivering a combined output of , housed within a carbon-fiber body structure.
Electromods
In honor of the original R5’s golden jubilee in 2022, Renault launched two "electromod" restomod projects—classic R5 vehicles retrofitted with electric powertrains—following trends seen in electrified restorations such as Hyundai’s Heritage Series and Ford’s F-100 Eluminator.
R5 Diamant
The R5 Diamant is a one-of-a-kind creation that preserves the classic R5’s bodywork and profile while integrating contemporary features like gem-inspired headlights and taillights. Designed by Pierre Gonalons, its styling draws inspiration from both automotive aesthetics and interior design elements. Auctioned towards the end of 2022, proceeds were donated to the Give Me 5 charity. Specifics regarding its powertrain were not publicly released.
R5 Turbo 3E Concept
The Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept car, paying homage to both the original Turbo and Turbo 2 models, made its first appearance at the Chantilly Concours d'Elegance in September 2022 before being showcased at the Paris Motor Show in October. Developed by Ligier with contributions from Yvan Muller, this dynamic restomod incorporates a tubular chassis combined with a carbon fiber exterior.
Its dimensions measure long, wide, and tall, supported by a wheelbase. The vehicle is powered by two rear-mounted electric motors producing / . The incorporated 42 kWh battery weighs , contributing to an overall vehicle mass of . The steel spaceframe chassis meets FIA regulatory standards.
Performance projections suggest acceleration from standstill to in just 3.5 seconds along with a maximum speed reaching .