Renault has unveiled its new electric city car, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is inspired by the iconic Renault 5 that sold millions of units in the 1970s and 1980s, but with a modern and futuristic design incorporating the latest electric technology and artificial intelligence. The car is expected to hit the European roads in early 2025, with a starting price of around $29,500.
A Nostalgic Design with a High-Tech Edge
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric car is a compact hatchback that measures 3.92 meters long, making it shorter than the current Renault Clio. However, thanks to the wheels pushed to the corners and the short overhangs, the car offers a spacious interior that can accommodate five people and 326 liters of luggage space. The car also features 18-inch wheels and eye-catching colors, such as Yellow Pop and Green Pop.
The car's exterior design is a tribute to the original Renault 5, with retro elements such as the square headlights, black grille, hood air intake, side vents, and rear lights. However, the car also adds modern touches, such as LED lighting, flush door handles, a hidden charging port, and winking headlights that express different emotions.
The car's interior design is still a mystery, as Renault has not revealed any images or details yet. However, the car is expected to have a minimalist and futuristic dashboard with a large touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The car will also feature 3D-printed accessories that the customers can customize, such as the air vents, the speakers, and the cup holders.
A Powerful and Efficient Electric Drive
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is based on a new platform called AmpR Small, which is designed specifically for compact electric vehicles. The car will be available with two battery options: a 40 kWh or a 52 kWh unit, which will provide a driving range of 186 miles or 248 miles, respectively. The car will also have three electric motor options: a 70 kW, a 90 kW, or a 110 kW unit, which will deliver 94 hp, 121 hp, or 148 hp, respectively.
The electric motors are lightweight and efficient, as they use copper coils instead of permanent magnets, reducing the reliance on rare earth materials. The car will also have a regenerative braking system that will recover energy during deceleration and braking, extending the driving range. The car will be able to tow a trailer with a capacity of up to 500 kg, which is rare for an electric city car.
The car will support fast charging up to 100 kW for the larger battery and 80 kW for the smaller battery, allowing the car to recharge from 15% to 80% in 30 minutes. The car will also have a home charging option with a Mobilize Power Solutions device, which will enable the car to charge at 11 kW. The car will also have vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which will allow the car to power other electrical appliances such as laptops, smartphones, or even a coffee machine.
A Smart and Connected Driving Experience
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will offer high connectivity and artificial intelligence, thanks to the integration of Google services and a virtual assistant called Reno. The car will have a Google infotainment system, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store, allowing the drivers and passengers to access their favorite apps, music, and navigation. The car will also have a wireless smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The car will also have a reno virtual avatar, which will be displayed on the touchscreen and will interact with the drivers and passengers by voice. The reno avatar will be able to answer questions, provide advice, carry out commands, and chat with the occupants. The reno avatar will also be connected to the car and will be able to monitor the car’s status, suggest actions, and alert the drivers of any issues.
The car will also feature 26 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which will enhance the safety and comfort of the driving experience. Some of the ADAS include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, parking assist, traffic sign recognition, and emergency braking. The car will also have a head-up display, which will project the key information on the windshield, such as the speed, the navigation, and the warnings.
A Renaulutionary Electric City Car
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a renaulutionary electric city car, combining the nostalgic charm of the original Renault 5 with the modern technology and artificial intelligence of the future. The car is fun, playful, friendly, and chic, and it offers a powerful and efficient electric drive, a spacious and customizable interior, and a smart and connected driving experience. The car is expected to be a popular and affordable electric car, as it will start at around $30,000 in Europe. The car will be available in early 2025 and will be part of Renault’s electric offensive, which aims to make electric cars widespread in Europe.
