Australians may very well be forgiven for pondering that Renault do little within the EV area. With a failed try at promoting the Zoe hatchback in Australia between 2017 and 2020, the continued sale of the (outmoded elsewhere) Kangoo electrical van and the nonetheless to reach e-tech Megane, its Australian efforts to this point have been fairly minimal.
Then again, Renault Australia have beforehand said they don’t do a lot within the EV area right here as authorities coverage has not been supportive of EVs. Hopefully that will quickly change – offered, that’s, the Australian authorities introduces a correct Gas Effectivity Commonplace alongside gasoline high quality necessities that match these within the majority of the developed world.
In Europe, issues are very totally different. There, Renault is a serious auto manufacturing participant and are working tougher than many to make the swap from inside combustion to electrical.
In truth, by 2030 they plan to promote solely full electrical automobiles in Europe, with plans to launch seven new electrical fashions between now and 2030. Many of those by the way in which are within the presently uncared for small and compact passenger EV segments.
As a part of that push, Renault will quickly relaunch the Renault 5 nameplate as an all-electric mannequin.
For these unfamiliar with the historical past of Renault – the unique Renault 5 (affectionately generally known as the R5) nonetheless holds the report of France’s hottest promoting automotive, with over 5.5 million models constructed throughout its manufacturing run between 1972 and 1996.
It’s due to this fact no shock that Renault is hoping lots of that affection for the unique carries over into the brand new.
It’s most likely additionally no shock that the rebooted R5 derives lots of its styling cues from that authentic design.
A number of pre-production prototypes have been proven because the mannequin progresses in the direction of its launch – nevertheless Renault is now beginning to tease the manufacturing design forward of the official unveiling – slated for February 26 subsequent yr on the Geneva Worldwide Motor Present.
It’s price noting right here that while the manufacturing model can be unveiled at the moment, deliveries gained’t start till early 2025. To take care of the hype between from time to time, Renault are selling a ‘R5 R Go programme’ of their launch markets. (These being France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands).
The fascinating side of this announcement is the inclusion of the UK – that means the R5 can be inbuilt right-hand drive from the outset.
At a value of £150 (AU$290), R5 R Go holders will be capable of order the brand new R5 10 days earlier than orders open to most people. As well as “Holders of an R5 R Go will obtain a scale mannequin of Renault 5 E- Tech electrical after its reveal and would be the first to entry content material and occasions round Renault 5”.
Trying previous the advertising spin for a second although – it does appear that Renault are doing lots of work to bounce round the truth that it will likely be over 12 months will cross between now and when the mannequin truly reaches the primary buyer’s palms!
With regards to EVs, it appears it’s not solely Australians which have to carry their collective breathes for prolonged durations between new EV bulletins and arrivals….
Looking forward to when it does arrive, what’s going to the shopping for public get? At 3.92 metres lengthy with a 52kWh battery offering a 400km (WLTP) vary, it ought to properly meet the wants of a suburban couple needing a run-around hatchback with capability to do the odd regional/weekend away run. It can even be the primary Renault EV to supply V2L and V2G performance.
In Europe, the R5 is more likely to be a very talked-about vendor. As for Australia: Renault Australia have stated they’ll contemplate it if made in right-hand drive – which has now been confirmed with the latest UK announcement of the R5 R Go programme.
Extra particulars and (hopefully) pricing of the R5 to be launched on February 26, 2024 on the Geneva Worldwide Motor Present.
So far, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has been quoted as suggesting pricing for the R5 in Europe will begin at round €25,000 (AU$41,000) the place incentives for EVs are nonetheless out there. With out incentives, comparable to within the UK, it’s more likely to begin from nearer to £30,000 (AU$67,000).
Bryce Gaton is an knowledgeable on electrical automobiles and contributor for The Pushed and Renew Economic system. He has been working within the EV sector since 2008 and is presently working as EV electrical security coach/supervisor for the College of Melbourne. He additionally supplies help for the EV Transition to enterprise, authorities and the general public by way of his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.