Renault Reveals Plans For E-Battery Mini Car
Renault is making bold moves in the electric vehicle (EV) market by developing an entry-level battery-electric model that will position the French automaker as a pioneer in the mainstream EV segment.
Renault CEO, Luca de Meo, unveiled initial details about this price-leading model at the prestigious Financial Times’ Future of the Car summit in London. Scheduled to hit the market in 2027, the Renault mini-car aims to compete with Volkswagen’s ID.1, offering a starting price of approximately €22,000 (equivalent to just over R445380 according to the current euro-to-rand exchange rate).
Democratising E-vehicles And Boosting EV Sales
According to de Meo, the introduction of this mini-car will play a vital role in democratising electric vehicles and boosting EV sales within the mainstream European market. Inspired by the concept of Kei cars in Japan, which adhere to strict government regulations regarding size and power, Renault’s CEO believes that there is intelligence in this approach.
However, Renault does not intend to replicate all the limitations of Kei cars. Instead, de Meo aims to adapt the concept to European standards, emphasising efficient and low-impact mobility while adhering to regulations.
Expected to join Renault’s lineup below the upcoming R5, the mini-car is likely to be based on a shortened version of the CMF-BEV electric-vehicle platform, which also underpins the Renault 5 set to launch in 2024. Renault has boasted that manufacturing vehicles on this platform cost 30% less than existing EV platforms, making it an attractive choice.
Furthermore, the versatile platform will serve as the foundation for other Renault models, including the Renault 4 small SUV and the successor to the Nissan Micra small hatchback. Renault’s EV activities and products are being transferred to a spinoff company called Ampere.
Preserving Mobility Rights And Addressing Industry Challenges
De Meo stresses the need for affordable battery-electric vehicles as a means of preserving personal mobility rights while addressing industry challenges. He asserts that Renault is fighting against aspects deemed unfavourable for the industry but also recognises the importance of providing solutions. Producing a sub-A-segment car with low environmental impact is seen as a viable solution that the European industry can contribute.
With an estimated annual growth rate of 1.5% from 2023 to 2027, resulting in approximately 1.6 million vehicles per year, the mini-car segment in Europe presents a promising market opportunity.
Renault’s ambitious plans to develop a battery-electric mini-car exemplify their commitment to innovation and progress in the EV sector. By offering an affordable and eco-friendly option, Renault aims to revolutionize electric mobility, bringing it within reach of a wider audience.
As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift towards sustainable transportation, Renault’s forward-thinking strategy is poised to make a significant impact on the market and drive the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
