Renault 5 E-Tech
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Founder | Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles, electric vehicles |
| Website | www |
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a battery electric vehicle in the B-segment category, produced by the French automaker Renault and introduced in 2024. Its design pays homage to the classic Renault 5, having been initially previewed through a concept model in January 2021 and officially revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show in February 2024.
Development
The creation of the Renault 5 E-Tech commenced with an orange full-scale design model shown to Renault CEO Luca de Meo at the Technocentre in Guyancourt in July 2020. Originally conceived as an exploratory project by designer François Leboine for a compact electric vehicle, the retro-inspired concept was initially dismissed but later revived following De Meo’s request for a prototype. By October 2020, the Renault 5 Prototype was finalized and became emblematic of Renault’s electric vision, known as Renaulution, which was announced in January 2021.
De Meo highlighted the necessity of having a model that "express their DNA more than any of the others," referencing legendary vehicles such as the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Golf. He played an active role in overseeing development and steering essential design debates, which led to the car being informally dubbed the "boss's car" among staff.
By utilizing the CMF-B platform, shared with models like the Clio V and Renault 4 E-Tech, Renault accelerated development from four years down to three. The vehicle incorporates roughly 1,100 components, many of which are common across CMF-B-based cars.
In October 2022, Renault unveiled its "industrial metaverse" at the Flins facility during its transition to the Re-Factory. This initiative featured a virtual reality simulation of a paint booth that displayed a camouflaged-free, three-dimensional rendering of the production Renault 5 EV.
By March 2023, automotive journalists were able to test a development mule representing the production version set for launch in 2024. Starting in July 2023, near-final 'vehicle check' prototypes underwent rigorous testing to confirm manufacturing processes; earlier test units utilized Clio bodies mounted on the CMF-BEV platform.
Concept car
The announcement of an electric Renault 5 came in January 2021 as part of Groupe Renault’s "Renaulution" strategic plan (spanning from 2021 to beyond 2025). This initiative, branded by Renault as "Nouvelle Vague" (meaning New Wave), aims to deliver 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 other small electric vehicles, including a revived Renault 4 EV. While Renault originally indicated that the R5 EV would not replace the Zoe, this stance was subsequently revised. The use of standardized platform and battery technologies is projected to lower production expenses by approximately 33% compared to the Zoe, due to extensive component sharing with the CMF-B platform underpinning models like the Clio V. Additionally, the Renault 5 EV will share its platform with the forthcoming Nissan Micra EV.
Styling
The design direction was led by Gilles Vidal, who took inspiration from the initial Mark I Renault 5 while incorporating elements influenced by contemporary consumer electronics, furniture design, and sports gear. Vidal joined Renault in November 2020 after preliminary design efforts had already started. The iconic double-diamond Renault emblem—originally created by Victor Vasarely and his son Jean-Pierre (Yvaral) and introduced in 1972—was refreshed and illuminated for the R5 EV prototype. This logo modernization was commissioned to Landor & Fitch in 2019 and intended for implementation across Renault’s entire lineup by 2020.
François Leboine provided the initial sketch; following Luca de Meo’s arrival at Renault in July 2020 from Fiat—where he had launched the Fiat 500 (2007)—he recognized an opportunity to revive the R5 nameplate. Nicolas Jardin was responsible for designing the exterior of the R5 Prototype. Although configured as a five-door hatchback, it features concealed rear door handles to evoke the appearance of the original three-door hatchback from 1972.
Powertrain
Renault's Executive Vice President for Engineering, Gilles le Borgne, revealed that the Renault 5 EV will be priced roughly between €20,000 and €25,000. Buyers can choose between two battery capacities: 40 kWh or 52 kWh, with the larger battery providing an estimated driving range. Both battery options utilize lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) technology. The 40 kWh model is available with either a or motor, whereas the 52 kWh version is equipped with a motor. DC fast charging is offered as an option, capable of reaching charging speeds up to 130 kW, similar to those found in the Renault Mégane E-Tech. The charging inlet is positioned on the left side of the bonnet and is hidden behind a flap designed to evoke the original R5’s air intake styling.
Manufacturing
The Renault 5 E-Tech is assembled within Renault ElectriCity, a manufacturing hub created by combining the Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz plants located in northern France. Final assembly occurs at the Douai facility using components sourced from Ruitz and an electric motor produced in Cléon. Prior to commencing mass production, over 60 pre-production prototypes were constructed at Renault’s Technocentre near Paris to validate assembly methods and quality control.
Order Availability in France and UK
Renault opened order books for the electric Renault 5 beginning in 2025, with customer deliveries planned for late 2025 or throughout 2026.
Alpine A290
Alpine’s high-performance variant, the Alpine A290, is built at the Douai plant within Renault ElectriCity. Designed by Raphaël Linari, this model features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration based on the AmpR Small platform. It is powered by an externally-excited synchronous motor producing between 130 and 160 kW, paired with a 52 kWh NMC battery pack.
The Alpine A290 utilizes the more potent 160 kW motor derived from the Mégane E-Tech and incorporates a wider track to enhance handling capabilities. The A290_β concept was unveiled in May 2023 as a preview of the production version, which was officially introduced on June 13, 2024, just prior to the 24 Hours of Le Mans event.
The production A290 GT Premium delivers an output of 180 hp, while the GTS model offers 220 hp using the Mégane E-Tech motor, achieving acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Its battery capacity stands at 52 kWh, enabling an approximate driving range of 380 km.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
On March 17, 2025, Renault announced a limited-edition model called the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, which is a significantly reworked version of the Renault 5 E-Tech paying tribute to the iconic wide-body hatchback from the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo. Production will be restricted to only 1,980 units, a nod to the original car’s launch year, with deliveries commencing in 2027. This special edition features rear-wheel in-wheel motors producing a combined output of , complemented by a carbon-fiber body structure.
Electromods
To mark the original R5's fiftieth anniversary in 2022, Renault unveiled two "electromod" restomod projects that modernize classic R5 vehicles by fitting them with electric powertrains. These initiatives reflect broader industry trends seen in similar projects such as Hyundai’s Heritage Series and Ford’s F-100 Eluminator conversion.
R5 Diamant
The R5 Diamant represents a one-of-a-kind restomod that retains original R5 bodywork while introducing refreshed design cues like jewel-inspired headlights and taillights. Crafted under Pierre Gonalons’ direction to merge automotive styling with interior design principles, this vehicle commemorated five decades since the R5’s debut. It was auctioned at the end of 2022, with proceeds donated to Give Me 5. Specific details regarding its powertrain were not publicly released.
R5 Turbo 3E Concept
Unveiled at the Chantilly Concours d'Elegance on September 25, 2022, and later showcased at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept draws inspiration from the classic Turbo and Turbo 2 editions. This electric restomod, crafted by Ligier with guidance from Yvan Muller, features a tubular frame paired with a carbon fiber exterior.
With dimensions measuring in length, in width, and in height, and a wheelbase of , it is equipped with dual electric motors positioned at the rear that deliver power and torque. The vehicle incorporates a 42 kWh battery weighing , resulting in an overall mass of mounted on an FIA-approved steel spaceframe chassis. Performance figures include acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 3.5 seconds and a maximum velocity of .