Renault 5 E-Tech attracts more than 50,000 expressions of interest

The new Renault 5 E-Tech, unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show late last week, is swiftly becoming the French brand’s most eagerly anticipated launch of recent years.

This new all-electric French model stands out for styling that recalls the original Renault 5, creating an appealing blend of classic and contemporary design. Its announced €25,000 starting price also makes it competitively priced for a fully electric supermini when measured against its closest rivals.

The Zoe’s replacement uses the new AmpR Small platform, formerly called CMF-B EV. It will be offered with three power outputs - 70 kW (95 hp), 88 kW (120 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) - and two battery options: 40 kWh and 52 kWh, delivering up to 300 km and 400 km of range respectively.

More than 50,000 on the waiting list

Interest in the new model has been considerable, and this has now been confirmed by the announcement that the new Renault 5 has already attracted more than 50,000 expressions of interest. This comes despite order books not opening until May, with first deliveries expected sometime in September or October.

Fabrice Cambolive, Renault’s chief executive, revealed the figure in an interview with Automotive News Europe, although he said the real challenge lies in production.

“The issue is not finding out whether we have customers - the challenge is ensuring a smooth start to production and being able to deliver the model to the first customers by October.”

• Fabrice Cambolive, Renault chief executive

Renault 5 E-Tech production and lower-range version

Although only the longer-range version will initially go on sale, Renault’s chief executive expects the lower-range model to gain “step by step” in popularity.

As was already the case with the Zoe, Fabrice Cambolive anticipates that businesses will account for a significant share of sales of the new Renault 5. In 2023, company buyers represented half of Renault’s total sales. For the Renault 5, he forecasts that 40% of sales will go to businesses and fleets.

New customers and Zoe owners

With that in mind, Fabrice Cambolive expects the new Renault 5 to attract new customers to the brand, meaning it should generate conquest sales. However, he has not overlooked Zoe owners and hopes to move all of them into the new 5.

Source: Automotive News