What is hidden under the hood of the new Renault 5?

While her retro style, a tribute to the legendary R5, is almost unanimously praised, what about the specifications of the Renault 5 E-Tech?

Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the first vehicle built on AmpR Small, the new compact platform developed by Ampere, the 100% electric branch of the Renault Group. The story told by Renault states that this platform was specially developed from a resin model of the Renault 5. The technology was therefore adapted to match the design requirements, rather than the other way around. This model offers many advantages related to the use of a native electric platform, such as a flat floor and a long wheelbase of 2.54 meters. These features ensure good interior space and a generous trunk volume of 326 liters. Renault also announces a relatively lightweight vehicle, weighing less than 1,500 kilograms.

Interior space and ingenuity

Under the hood, the electric motor of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is more compact than that of the Mégane E-Tech electric and Scénic E-Tech electric models from which it is derived. It is a wound rotor synchronous motor, consistent with Renault’s preferred technology. Without permanent magnets, it reduces its environmental impact. This motor, benefiting from the experience of its predecessors in terms of durability, will be offered in three power levels: 110, 90, or 70 kW.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric introduces a new bidirectional AC charger compatible with V2L (vehicle to load) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technologies. This pioneering system, which is expected to become widespread, will enable the vehicle to become an active participant in the energy ecosystem through Mobilize services, by intelligently injecting decarbonized electricity into the grid. Users will eventually benefit from significant savings on their electricity bills thanks to this system.

And what about range?

Versatile, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric aims to be equally comfortable in the city and on holiday roads. However, this point remains to be confirmed, as with a small 52 kWh battery, reaching the advertised 400 km of range will be really challenging. And don’t plan on relying on the 80 or 100 kW DC fast charger to top up in the middle of a break.

Priced below 25,000 euros, this new R5 will easily find its place in our cities where its compact size and interior ergonomics will shine. You can certainly take a trip to the countryside to let the kids and dog run around, but the highway is clearly not its preferred terrain.