How does Renault sell so many R5s without delivering them?

Over 3,000 Renault 5 units were registered in November, despite deliveries not starting until December.

The Renault R5 E-Tech has established itself as the best-selling electric vehicle in France in November, surpassing the Tesla Model Y and the Citroën ë-C3. It thus captures 14.3% of the electric vehicle market and ranks fifth in overall sales across all powertrains. An expected success, but the scale of it is surprising. We know that car buyers remain particularly cautious about electric vehicles and prefer to delay purchasing a new car until they have some initial customer feedback. Renault has succeeded in reassuring them, but this success mainly relies on the smart pre-order system implemented by Renault, the “R5 R Pass”.

This innovative system allowed customers to reserve their vehicle smoothly and with priority, while ensuring optimized stock management and delivery timelines. Thanks to this strategy, Renault was able to maximize the impact of its commercial launch, boosting registrations starting in November. The first deliveries will begin at the end of December, with a significant rollout of R5 E-Tech vehicles on the roads in January 2025.

In 2025, Renault will expand its lineup with a “Urban Rage” version available for less than 25,000 euros, equipped with a 40 kWh battery offering up to 312 km of range (WLTP cycle). Designed for urban and peri-urban use, this variation will enhance the model’s attractiveness and help democratize access to electric mobility, in the hope of boosting overall sales.

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