French automaker Renault officially introduced the new Renault 5, a low-cost, compact electric car, at the prestigious Geneva International Auto Show on Monday.
The imminent market launch of the $27,000 (€25,000) EV is a crucial part of the company’s strategy to deliver more affordable electric vehicles in the European market, which Chinese-made models currently dominate.
Renault 5 debut
The new Renault 5 EV took center stage at the highly awaited automotive show in Switzerland this week, along with other electric vehicle models set to disrupt the European electric vehicle industry.
The electric city car’s price is expected to start at about €25,000, with two battery configuration options. The larger pack promises to enable a driving range of up to 400 km (250 miles) between charges.
It will mark the first EV model under Ampere, Renault’s electric vehicle subsidiary. It took inspiration from the internal combustion engine-powered R5 and the iconic Super 5, including the vertical tail lights and bright colors.
“It’s at the heart of the battle to reinvent European industry against competition coming from the East and the West. With this vehicle we are proving that production in Europe, in France really is possible.”
Renault CEO Luca de Meo ahead of the Geneva show (via Automotive News Europe)
Production plans
Renault plans to produce the new Renault 5 EV in Douai, France, under the company’s ElectriCity cluster of vehicle and component factories.
Its partner Envision AESC will supply the batteries starting in 2025, while electric motors will undergo production in Cleon, France.
Renault said it would take nine hours to produce the Renault 5, faster than most rivals, even Tesla.
Looking forward
Apart from the Renault 5 EV, the French automaker also plans to eventually relaunch its R5 Turbo as an electric vehicle model with the 3E reboot.
The Renault R5 Turbo 3E will arrive with a contemporary electric drivetrain and styling, revolutionizing an old vehicle platform.
The concept car featured a dual-motor system powering the vehicle’s rear wheels, with a total output of 380 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It also has a 42kWh battery located in the rear between the motors.
The small electric hatchback can apparently accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 125 mph.
Interested buyers can now check the new Renault 5 EV on the automaker’s official website. You can also watch the model’s debut video below:
