Renault 4 E-Tech
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles, electric vehicles |
| Website | www |
The Renault 4 E-Tech represents a battery-electric subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by the French automaker Renault since 2025. It is built on the AmpR Small platform, shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech, and derives its name from the iconic Renault 4 hatchback produced between 1961 and 1994.
History
Unveiled in 2021 as part of Renault’s initiative to introduce several electric vehicles by 2025, the Renault 4ever project culminated in the presentation of the 4Ever Trophy prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 2022. Positioned as a compact electric crossover, the 4 E-Tech complements the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech. Both vehicles employ the AmpR Small platform, which incorporates approximately half of its components from the CMF-B platform, allowing production expenses to be nearly two-thirds less than those of Renault’s existing B-segment EV, the Zoe. The 4 E-Tech is anticipated to carry a higher price point compared to the 5 E-Tech, reflecting a dynamic similar to that between the CMF-B-based Renault Clio and Captur models.
A commercial panel van version is also slated for release, combining the front design of the 4 E-Tech with an extended cargo section, reminiscent of the historic link between the original R4 hatchback and its Fourgonnette van variant.
Manufacturing of the 4 E-Tech takes place alongside the 5 E-Tech at Renault ElectriCity, an integrated facility formed by merging three northern French plants: Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz. ElectriCity aims for an annual output of 400,000 electric vehicles by 2025. The SUV and van variants of the 4 E-Tech are produced in Maubeuge, while Douai handles assembly of the 5 E-Tech and Nissan Micra EV. This arrangement relocated production of the 4 E-Tech SUV to Maubeuge to better accommodate platform-related models. Furthermore, Renault intends to establish a new battery manufacturing plant in Douai through a partnership with Envision AESC to bolster its electric vehicle production capabilities.
Earlier use of "4ever" and electromod
In 2011, Renault sponsored a "Renault 4ever" competition aimed at reviving the R4’s legacy during its 50th anniversary, collaborating with the online magazine designboom. The contest winner, Mark Cunningham, was awarded a vintage R4 rally vehicle.
In 2019, a restored classic R4 Plein Air convertible was featured at the Renault 4L International Festival as a unique electromod. This model was equipped with an electric drivetrain sourced from the Renault Twizy, including a 13 kW motor delivering 57 Nm of torque and a 6.1 kWh battery that offered an estimated range of around 100 km.
Production model
The finalized production version was officially revealed on 15 October 2024 during the 2024 Paris Motor Show.
Concept car
Ahead of its official unveiling on 17 October 2022, teaser images were published on 4 October showcasing the concept. The 4Ever Trophy concept commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally and featured off-road adaptations such as increased ground clearance of 200 mm and a bespoke carbon-fiber roof rack equipped with LED lighting and housing for a spare tire.
Built on a modified AmpR Small platform designed to accommodate a flat underfloor battery pack, this concept was projected to deliver up to a 400 km driving range powered by an electric motor rated at up to 100 kW. Although it confirmed a battery capacity of 42 kWh, it was non-operational and therefore did not have an official range rating.