it would be much cheaper than the Zoé, but with a hiccup on autonomy


Expected for 2024, the future electric Renault 5 should cost much less than the Zoé. But its performance in terms of autonomy could be disappointing for customers, yet already won over by its look.

Renault R5 // Source: Marie Lizak

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Renault, like all generalist manufacturers, will have to massively electrify its range over the next few years, in order to comply with the requirements of the European Union. As a reminder, it plans to ban the sale of all thermal cars on its territory from 2035. A deadline that does not scare the diamond firm, which plans in any case to become 100% electric from 2030.

An expected city car

At present, Renault already has four electric models, namely the Zoé, the Twizy, the Twingo, and the Megane, but others will arrive a little later. We think in particular of the Renault 5 (R5) E-Tech, announced by a concept called Renault 5 Prototype in January 2021. And the least we can say is that it quickly won over the crowds, in reinterpreting the style of the famous Renault 5 of the 1970s.

At the time, the brand had not given many details about its creation, including the production version will arrive in the range during the next year. But now, over the months, new rumors have begun to circulate about it, particularly with regard to its motorization, 100% electric of course.

Renault 5 Prototype // Source: Marie Lizak for Frandroid

Indeed, and as we mentioned in a previous article, the city car could carry a 40 kWh battery, allowing it to travel 400 kilometers in a single charge according to the WLTP cycle. Nevertheless, not everyone really agrees, while some rumors in the hallway rather evoke a 52 kWh battery, for the same autonomy. A logical choice, since this accumulator already equips the Renault Zoé.

But it’s quite likely that those numbers are for a mid-range version, or even the top-spec variant. In effect, Renault promised a price between 25 and 30,000 euros for its city car, excluding the ecological bonus currently established between 5 and 7,000 euros depending on income. However, to reach this price, may need to consider a smaller battery.

A disappointing autonomy?

In effect, the Zoé is currently displayed from 35,100 euros with a 52 kWh battery. If the R5 costs 10,000 euros less, we will have to make choices, because as reminded Automotive Magazine, the accumulator accounts for around 40% of the price of a car. If the firm seems to have found a solution, by opting for a new lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery co-developed with Nissan, the problem would not be completely resolved.

Indeed, if it is indeed cheaper, it is also 30% less dense than an NMC battery (nickel-manganese-cobalt). It would therefore require a larger accumulator to achieve the same autonomy, which should not really be possible, in particular because of the greater weight and the size that it would occupy in the car. And who says bigger battery, also says rising price. It is the serpent biting its own tail.

Source: Marie Lizak

Especially since the boss of Renault, Luca de Meo recently confirmed his desire to reduce the size of the batteries, in order to limit costs. Because you should also know that the price of lithium has increased considerably in recent years, due in particular to the strong demand. To compensate for this increase, and thus keep its promise, the brand will therefore have to cut back on autonomy. And customers could not therefore a priori take advantage of the 400 kilometers in the entry-level version of the city car. Information to be taken with tweezers of course.

It will therefore be necessary to show a little more patience before knowing more about the final version of the R5 Electric which should be unveiled this year and marketed in 2024. This will be followed by an electric 4L, inspired by the concept Renault 4ever Trophy unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. A sports version of the city car signed Alpine would also be in the pipeline. This would carry a 40 kWh battery and take over the 220 horsepower engine of the Renault Mégane E-Tech.

Remember, however, that autonomy is a non-issue, especially in the context of a compact car, which is not intended to make long journeys regularly. The most important is the daily distance traveled by the car as well as its charging speed. On this second point, it should do better than the Zoé, which could facilitate long distances.

Everything we know about the electric Renault 5 E-Tech (R5): design, features, release date and price

The Renault 5 Concept was revealed almost two years ago, in January 2021, and it is still generating real interest from electric car enthusiasts. The series model of the…
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