Renault 5: Electric Comeback of a Legend

The Renault 5 study exemplifies Renault’s vision for the future, characterized by electric mobility and modern design that pays homage to the brand’s heritage. As part of Renault CEO Luca de Meo’s “Renaulution” strategy, the company unveiled its future direction in 2021, announcing plans to introduce 14 new models by 2025, with seven of them being fully electric vehicles.

The Renault 5 study serves as an embodiment of this new strategy and features a retro design. De Meo emphasizes that while the R5 is deeply rooted in Renault’s history, it also represents the brand’s future and aims to popularize electric cars.

This commitment is further supported by the registration of a Renault 5 logo with the European Patent Office, featuring the number 5 incorporated within the new Renault rhombus. This logo, already present in the R5 study, indicates its potential transition into series production.

Renault 5: Electric Comeback of a Legend

Renault 5 Elektro (2024): Preis & Innenraum | autozeitung.de

The new Renault R5, based on the CMF-B-EV platform, is a compact four-door city car designed by Renault’s head of design, Gilles Vidal. It retains strong visual connections to its predecessor, featuring a closed front with an illuminated rhombus flanked by square headlights and integrated indicator units. The rear design of the R5 pays clear homage to its predecessor, with vertical lights and a crisp and compact rear end. Renault intends for the R5 to replace the highly successful Zoe electric model from 2024.

Built on the new modular electric platform CMF-B-EV with 400-volt technology, developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the R5 aims to offer a competitive and high-performance platform in the small car segment. The platform’s modular concept allows for different track widths, wheelbases, body types, and forms.

The chassis features a multi-link rear axle and a lower center of gravity due to the battery integration in the vehicle floor. The battery options range from 40 kWh with a 400-kilometer range to 90 kWh with a 700-kilometer range. The electric motor is based on the separately excited synchronous motor used in the Zoe and the Megane E-Tech Electric, offering performance ranging from 100 kW to 160 kW.

Renault aims to position the R5 in a price range of 20,000 to 30,000 euros (excluding country-specific promotional bonuses) when it enters series production. To achieve this price range, the use of cost-effective batteries is crucial.

The focus is on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo or LEP or LFP) batteries, known for their robustness and long service life. However, it remains unclear whether the R5 will be exclusively equipped with LFP batteries or also include lithium-ion batteries.

R5 E-Tech Electric (2024). L'arme de séduction massive de Renault !

The Renault 5 was originally produced as a small car from 1972 to 1996, spanning two model generations. Despite the introduction of the Clio as its successor in 1991, the R5 continued to be produced alongside it for several years.

In summary, with the R5 study, Renault CEO Luca de Meo demonstrates his commitment to both innovation and honoring the brand’s tradition. Similar to Fiat’s approach with the new 500, this strategy puts Renault in direct competition with models like the Honda e.

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