Renault already communicates well in advance of the official presentation of its electric city car, the R5. Here is the new information we have.
More than a year before its official presentation, Renault is already communicating a lot about its future electric Renault 5. A rather rare method in the automotive industry, even if it is becoming more and more democratic with the use of camouflaged prototypes as official communication media. Thanks to these very complete teasers, the brands sometimes get ahead of our scoop hunters and thus control their agenda and the information delivered.
The future Renault 5 will be presented and then launched in 2024. It is derived from the Renault 5 Prototype concept revealed in 2021. Renault is still in the full development phase for this important model, which intends to make electric more accessible at the Losange as the future ID.2 at Volkswagen. The “mules”, prototypes used with bodywork far removed from reality, are 5th generation Renault Clios modified to incorporate technical changes without being spotted. The more observant still notice widened fenders and a charging socket.
Still in development
These prototypes have already been running since this winter on the various Renault sites, in particular on the test centers of Lardy (Essonne) and Aubevoye (Normandy), but also in the far north of Sweden, in Arvidsjaur (Lapland). Vehicles are tested there under different grip conditions (down to -30°C in Sweden), in order to fine-tune the braking, suspension and battery settings.
Renault is already confident after these first winter tests, and indicates that the road behavior is similar to that of an electric Mégane E-Tech, considered very dynamic. The standard R5 will notably be entitled to a multi-link rear axle, usually reserved for models in the upper segment. What offer a better compromise between comfort and dynamism, while allowing to lower the center of gravity thanks to the batteries installed under the floor.
New platform, new engine and new battery
The R5 also introduces the new CMF-B EV platform, which incorporates 70% of the components of the CMF-B used by the Clio and Captur. Compared to the Zoé, the new platform reduces production costs by 30% depending on the brand. Thanks to this, Renault hopes to be able to contain the price of the car “below that of competitors”. Will the future R5 be placed under the €25,000 announced by Volkswagen for its ID.2 scheduled for 2025?
On the engine side, the electric city car also inaugurates a new electric motor, derived from the Mégane E-Tech. 20 kg lighter than that of a Zoé, it is also more compact. The block, made up of a wound rotor without magnets or rare earths, will be produced in Cléon, Normandy. It will be associated with a new battery pack, going from 12 to 4 large modules to lighten 15 kg. On the other hand, Renault does not give official power figures for its “Cinq”, which according to several sources could oscillate between 120 and 150 hp (or even more for the Alpine version). On the battery side, Renault claims that “the future electric Renault 5 will be able to transport more kWh in a smaller volume”. The cell pack could come in two capacities to offer around 400 km of range in the best case.
Photos : Renault.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Renault 5: 50 years of history
Renault 5 electric (2024): why should its bill increase considerably?
Renault 5 Diamant: the electrifying tribute to the original R5 in VIDEO
