Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech to gain 500 km range in 2027

If the Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech's current range of up to 409 km (WLTP) does not meet your needs, there is encouraging news: the French manufacturer is already working on extending it to as much as 500 km.

According to L’Argus, with the information confirmed by Ampere, the Renault Group's electric-vehicle division, these new longer-range versions are due to arrive in 2027. Renault will rely on two key developments to achieve this: a higher-capacity battery with revised chemistry and an upgraded version of the 6AK powertrain currently fitted to both models.

At present, both the Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech - read our latest review - are offered with two NMC lithium-ion battery options: 40 kWh and 52 kWh. The latter delivers the greater range.

Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech battery upgrade

The new lithium-ion battery will still be supplied by AESC, which holds the exclusive contract for the Renault 4 and 5, and it will retain NMC chemistry - nickel, manganese and cobalt. However, its chemistry will be revised, allowing capacity to rise from the current 52 kWh to 56 kWh.

More efficient motor

Both models currently use an externally excited synchronous motor (EESM). As this technology does not require permanent magnets, it avoids the costs linked to rare-earth materials and dependence on China. The motor produces up to 150 hp (110 kW), although its technology is not as efficient as that used by some other electric motors.

The new unit, called the 6AK Evo, will address those limitations through new components, including the rotor shaft and motor housings, together with a new inverter and stator. The stator will use hairpin winding technology, which employs U-shaped copper bars resembling a hairpin, bringing several benefits including improved output and efficiency.

Combining the new battery with the 6AK Evo will enable the current Renault 4 and 5 to gain almost 100 km of extra range on a single charge, taking the figure to 500 km. However, these upgrades will not reach the market until 2027.