Retrofit: the Renault 4L becomes electric

Real electric Renault 4 and Renault 5 models are now possible thanks to the company R-FIT. However, the operation is not free.

The retrofit industry continues to grow and regularly presents new projects. The latest comes from R-FIT, which has just revealed electric Renault 4 and 5 models.

The company, based in Cassis, already has experience in retrofit work, as it has been selling converted electric Citroën 2CVs for several years. For these new projects, it has received support from Renault, which has also previously retrofit Renault 5s.

The compatible versions are the 4L GTL, Clan, and Savane of types R112 800 and R112 C00. Once converted to electric by R-Fit, they have an approximate range of 80 km and offer performance comparable to the original model. The mechanical transmission is retained. The 10.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery charges in about 3.5 hours on a standard household outlet.

A retrofit kit for the Twingo also in the plans

Orders will open on February 1st. R-FIT charges €11,900 for the transformation, including installation. A high price in absolute terms, but not shocking for this type of operation. Retrofitting cars is very expensive, after all. The retrofit subsidy can reduce the cost but is subject to income conditions. If your taxable income exceeds €22,983, the government provides no assistance.

As for the Renault 5, no figures have been announced yet. The kit, currently undergoing homologation, will be available from September. It will be compatible with 3- or 5-door R5 TL or GTL models.

R-FIT plans to showcase its electric 4L and R5 models at the Rétromobile exhibition, which will be held from February 1st to 5th at Porte de Versailles. On this occasion, the company will also display a retrofit kit for the first-generation Renault Twingo, which will soon be available commercially.

Read also: Retrofit: BMW R swaps its boxer engine for an electric motor