A Hybrid Renault 5 in 2028?

This is by no means an April Fools’ joke but a very serious hypothesis. The door is now open to a hybrid Renault 5.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, Horse Powertrain, a subsidiary of Renault, unveiled a major innovation: the Future Hybrid Concept. This revolutionary prototype, designed to hybridize battery electric platforms (BEV), marks a technological breakthrough that could indeed find a strategic application at Renault. It is, in fact, hard to imagine that the French manufacturer, holding a 45% stake in Horse, has not considered a hybrid version of its upcoming flagship electric, the Renault 5.

The Future Hybrid Concept challenges automotive industry conventions. Unlike the common practice of electrifying thermal engines, Horse proposes adding a compact combustion engine to an existing electric platform. The result: a hybrid system combining thermal engine, electric motor, and transmission into a single lightweight, modular unit.

This technology could transform the Renault 5, currently designed as a 100% electric city car, into a versatile hybrid. With global adoption facilitated by compatibility with various fuels (biofuels, methanol, synthetic fuels), a hybrid R5 would appeal just as much to consumers seeking energy flexibility as to those concerned about increased range.

A phenomenal hit on the horizon

A hybrid Renault 5 would be much more than a simple variant: it would meet key market expectations. As demand for hybrids remains strong—particularly in Europe and Asia—a hybrid R5 would offer an attractive alternative to thermal models while reassuring drivers still hesitant about pure electric vehicles.

By incorporating the Future Hybrid Concept, Renault would benefit not only from proven technology but also from a strategic lever to maximize sales of its R5 lineup. With a competitive price and increased versatility, commercial success seems assured.

This prototype, scheduled for production starting in 2028, opens major opportunities for Renault and Horse. A hybrid Renault 5? Not only feasible but arguably essential to maximize its potential in a rapidly changing market. And let’s go even further. Imagine the potential for Alpine with a sporty offering that mixes 100% electric and hybrid versions? A revolution may be unfolding before our eyes.

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