Overview
Groupe Renault (Renault Group/ Renault S.A.), is a leading player in the global automotive sector. The company was established in 1899 and has over the course of its history, manufactured varied vehicles, to include: trucks, tractors, buses and even tanks! Renault has been part of the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999 (previously, Renault-Nissan Alliance). The partnership makes the partnership the 3rd largest automotive group in the world after Volkswagen and Toyota.
Renault is headquartered in France and the French state owns a 15% stake in the company. The company manufacturers across a number of global locations, to include: Romania, Morocco, Türkiye, Spain, South Korea, Argentina and others! Renault has also been involved with motor sport, both, Formula 1 and Formula E. Renault offers both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for passenger cars and commercial electric vehicles. The portfolio includes:
- All-electric Renault TWIZY
- All-electric Renault ZOE E-TECH
- All-electric Renault ZOE Van E-TECH
- All-electric Renault Megane E-TECH
- All-electric Renault Scenic E-TECH
- All-electric Renault 5 E-TECH
- All-electric Renault Kangoo E-TECH
- All-electric Renault Master E-TECH
- Renault Rafale E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid
- Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid
- Renault Megane E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid
- Renault Megane Sport Tourer E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Renault 5 E-Tech Hatchback
This is not the first time, nor the last time, that an automotive manufacturer resurrects a model nameplate from the archives of its history. The best-selling Renault 5 hatchback is just another example. The conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) Renault 5 hatchback supermini became France’s most popular car, with over 5.5 million units sold between 1972 to 1985. Interestingly, this model was also available in an electric version as far back as 1974!
Therefore, it is fitting that the Renault 5 model nameplate has been given a renaissance in the form of a modern pure electric hatchback. The all-electric Renault 5 (B-segment) was first previewed as a concept car in 2021, with the EV officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in early 2024. The Renault 5 has been developed on the EV-native AmpR Small platform, also to be used by other small cars like the all-electric Renault 4. The production Renault 5 has retained much from the concept car! The Renault 5 EV is being assembled in Douai, France.
The compact Renault 5 replaces the best-selling all-electric Renault Zoe. In terms of size, the Renault 5 electric is 3.92m long and 1.49m tall. In comparison, the Zoe EV is 4.08m long and 1.56m tall. According to Renault, the compact 5 city electric car is positioned between the Clio II and Clio III. The Renault 5 is a five-door EV to enhance its practicality. The previous internal combustion engine (ICE) Renault 5 was available as both a 3-door and 5-door variant.
We are now witnessing a growing trend of compact battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in particular, targeted at the urban driver. Another example is the all-electric Dacia Spring hatchback with a 3.7m length and 1.48m height. Do keep in mind, the smaller a vehicle, the lower the life-cycle emissions, the lower its impact on the environment. We are e-zoomed encourage drivers to opt for smaller cars, in particular, zero-tailpipe emission electric cars. Best choice for improving air quality and lowering your impact on the environment.
The Renault 5 electric supermini is available in two EV battery sizes: 40 kWh (400V) / 52 kWh (400V). According to the manufacturer, the entry-level 40kWh variant can deliver up to 186 miles (WLTP) on a full charge, while the larger 52 kWh variant can deliver up to 248 miles (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, both variant offer ample day-to-day driving practicality. For the 40 kWh expect up to 160 miles and for the 52 kWh up to 215 miles.
Though it maybe tempting to get the larger EV battery option, we at e-zoomed suggest assessing very carefully if you really need the larger EV battery. Do keep in mind that most driving needs are short commutes i.e. to the office, school run, local high street, gym etc. In reality, we do not travel long distances as much as we think we do! Of course, if you are travelling long distance on a regular basis, the larger EV battery option is more appropriate.
The Renault 5 EV incorporates a 11 kW AC onboard AC charger as standard. Perfect for those with access to three-phase EV charging at home, work or public EV charging destinations. At 11 kW AC, the EV can be charged 15%-80% in 3 hrs 13 mins. At 7.4 kW AC (single-phase EV charging) it will take 5 hrs 11 mins (15%-80%). For DC rapid charging, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 30 mins. The entry-level offers up to 80 kW DC, while the top variant offers up to 100 kW DC. Adequate, given the size of the EV battery and the urban demographic target market.
For home charging we recommend the use of a smart EV charger which is solar compatible. We at e-zoomed also encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. We at e-zoomed offer a number of fantastic solar PV and battery storage bundle offers!
All variants of the Renault 5 family electric car are available only as a front-wheel drive (FWD). The entry-level 40 kWh Renault 5 can achieve 0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds (maximum power: 120 HP/ torque: 225 Nm). The 52 kWh variant can achieve 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds (maximum power: 150 HP/ torque: 245 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 93 mph. The 40 kWh variant is more efficient (Electric Energy Consumption: kWh/ 100km: 14.5), given the lower weight of the onboard EV battery (237 kg). The 52 kWh EV battery weighs 297 kg. To further increase the efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV) the manufacturer offers a heat pump as standard. The heat pump works in conjunction with the 8 kW HVCH (high voltage coolant heater) system to reduce energy consumption.
The exterior styling does incorporate themes from the original Renault 5, albeit, with a modern twist. The company refers to it as ‘retro-futuristic’. As an example the air vent on the bonnet has been transformed to an EV battery state-of-charge level indicator. When fully charged it will display the number ‘5’. Clever and practical! The side profile too has similarities with the conventional 5-door Renault 5 hatchback. The Renault 5 EV is available in fantastic ‘pop colours’. We love the pop green! For those keen on a more subtle appearance, the arctic white and diamond black should do just fine!
The interior again has commonality with the conventional R5. As an example, the pattern of the headlining on the inside is similar to the previous R5. Though the family R5 electric car offers decent practicality in the cabin, for taller adults, the rear seats will be a squeeze (headroom and legroom). The front seats are far more accommodating! The EV does not incorporate a frunk. The available boot space is 326 L. With the rear seats folded down, it is up to 1,106 L. The interior cabin compartments offer up to 19 L of storage capacity. As is the trend now, the Renault has incorporated sustainable materials for the interior, to include, 100% recycled plastic (PET) water bottles and 100% recycled fabric.
The EV offers a host of technology and equipment as standard. Safety aids include: driver attention alert, intelligent speed assistance (inc. sign recognition & speed alert), emergency lane keeping assist, oncoming traffic & road edge detection, rear park assist, vehicle sound for pedestrians, safe front stopping distance warning, emergency brake assist, vehicle dynamic control + hill start assist, active emergency braking system: urban, pedestrian & cyclist and more. The Renault 5 BEV has yet to be awarded the Euro NCAP Safety Rating.
Also on offer is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bi-directional charger functionality as standard. Excellent, as in due course, V2G will become the norm for EVs. Bi-directional capability allows the EV owner to charge other devices (laptop, electric bike etc) with V2L functionality, and also sell surplus energy back to the grid during times of peak demand. Also as standard are: 7″ digital driver information display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The family city electric car certainly offers value for money. Prices start at £26,995.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax rate for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs), to include, Salary Sacrifice, via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Value for money | DC charging capability limited to 100 kW DC |
Practical electric range/ 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | No Frunk |
Heat pump as standard/ V2G/ V2L functionality as standard | Space not as good as some competitors |
The All-Electric Renault 5 E-Tech Hatchback (credit: Renault)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Hatchback |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
Renault 5 E-Tech 120 hp (from £26,995) |
Renault 5 E-Tech 150 hp (from £37,495) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 40 kWh (237 kg)/ 52 kWh (297 kg) |
Charging: | 80 – 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (15%-80%: 3 hrs 13 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1498 |
Width (mm): | 1774 |
Length (mm): | 3922 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2540 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.3 |
Boot Space (L): | 326 (rear seats folded down: 1,106 L) |
Frunk (L): | N/A |
EV40 120 hp | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 40 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 186 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/ 100km): | 14.5 |
Charging: | 80 kW DC Rapid Charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (15%-80%: 3 hrs 13 mins)/ 7.4 kW AC (15%-80%: 5 hrs 11 mins) |
Top Speed: | 93 mph |
0-62 mph: | 9.0 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 90 |
Max Power (hp): | 120 |
Torque (Nm): | 225 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Gross Weight (kg): | 1,865 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 500/ 500 |
Colours: | 5 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
EV52 150 hp | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 52 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 248 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/ 100km): | 14.9 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (15%-80%: 3 hrs 13 mins)/ 7.4 kW AC (15%-80%: 5 hrs 11 mins) |
Top Speed: | 93 mph |
0-62 mph: | 8.0 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 110 |
Max Power (hp): | 150 |
Torque (Nm): | 245 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Gross Weight (kg): | 1,920 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 500/ 500 |
Colours: | 5 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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