Renault 5 E-Tech: Enhanced Range and Upcoming Fast Charging for Entry-Level Model

The Renault 5 E-Tech is undergoing significant enhancements as competition in the electric city car market intensifies. The French compact vehicle is set to see improvements in its range across various versions, and a new entry-level configuration is on the horizon. This variant will feature a more powerful motor, a different battery capacity, and standard fast charging capabilities.

Increased Range for the Renault 5

The electric city car segment is rapidly evolving, prompting Renault to continually update its Renault 5 E-Tech to maintain a competitive edge. Recently, the automaker revised the range figures for several versions of its city car.

The Evolution trim, equipped with a 52 kWh battery, now boasts a range of up to 431 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, an increase from the previous 416 kilometers. Meanwhile, the Techno and Iconic Five versions achieve ranges of 425 and 422 kilometers, respectively.

This improvement does not stem from an increase in battery capacity but rather from a reduction in the homologated consumption figures, which now stand at 13.9 kWh/100 km with the 150-horsepower motor and 14.2 kWh/100 km with the 120-horsepower variant.

The enhancements may also be attributed to aerodynamic improvements, such as the new mirrors taken from the Clio 6. In electric vehicles, even minor upgrades like these can lead to significant gains in range during homologation testing.

The 40 kWh battery option remains relevant as well. With the 120-horsepower motor, it now allows for a range of 321 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, while the entry-level version is capped at 310 kilometers.

A New Version to Distinguish the R5 from the Twingo

Another noteworthy change is the introduction of a new configuration aimed at customers seeking a more affordable Renault 5. This version will be available in select European markets and comes with a 37 kWh battery and a 107-horsepower electric motor.

This new setup replaces the previous Five configuration, which combined a 95-horsepower motor with a 40 kWh battery. Importantly, it also introduces a feature that was previously missing in this version: fast charging capability.

The updated Renault 5 could support charging speeds of up to 80 kW at fast charging stations, a significant advancement for a vehicle designed for versatile use. Fast charging can substantially reduce downtime during longer journeys.

This evolution also helps Renault better differentiate between its two small electric cars. The entry-level R5 had previously overlapped with the Twingo E-Tech in several aspects, such as limited power and the absence of fast charging. By enhancing the R5's specifications, Renault is giving the model a stronger identity and creating a clearer hierarchy between the two vehicles.

It remains uncertain whether this new configuration will be available in France. It has already appeared on the Belgian configurator, but Renault has yet to confirm its launch in the French market. If introduced, this new version could make the Renault 5 E-Tech even more appealing against the backdrop of the growing number of electric city cars set to enter Europe.