The revolution of electrification, accessible to all
The Renault 4 remains an authentic symbol, born in response to the sweeping social changes of the 1960s, with rural migration, the emergence of the middle social classes, and the new role of women. It was a car for everyone and for every use, a symbol of freedom.
Presented at the 2022 Paris Motor Show in the form of an exhibition prototype (4EVER Trophy), the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric retains elements of the DNA of the original model, marking its reinvention, in the form of a flexible and compact, modern car. Purely electric and networked, it is a model ‘to live with’ (voiture à vivre), even in its smallest detail. But beyond that it’s a car ready to go anywhere, every day.
With an unrestricted view of the outside environment thanks to its ‘Plein Sud’ opening fabric roof, it clearly declares itself ready for adventure with a bold, retro and at the same time futuristic design, which will appeal to the majority of the public. With its modular interior layout and spacious trunk, it adapts to suit all needs.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric integrates a host of technologies, be it the driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safety, or OpenR Link and Reno, the official avatar of Renault, which offer a unique driving and living experience inside. A multitude of features that will make it the favorite electric compact car of the new generation!
The legacy of a simple idea
1956. Renault was in a period of hyper-activity. CEO Pierre Dreyfus had just said his famous line: “Give me something with volume!” He was not talking about the Estafette, which was already on the way and launched three years later, but about a completely different car, the Renault 4 or 4L(catrel), as it is known to its audience even today. At that time, it is worth mentioning that the automotive industry was very static and revolved almost exclusively around a specific pattern: a rear-engine three-volume model. Pierre Dreyfus wanted something completely different. He wanted a car that reflected the changing image of society, a car for the future. It had to be flexible. It had to be synonymous with freedom, and it had to be a car for urban and rural areas, for weekdays and weekends, for work and for leisure, for men and women.
And mission accomplished! The original Renault 4 is remembered as a versatile car, functional and easy to drive. In addition to being a choice for ordinary people, city dwellers and farmers, post offices and gendarmerie, the model was also known for its participation in car races and rallies. When Pierre Dreyfus talked about the Renault 4, he compared it to a pair of jeans. It was robust, utilitarian and stylish. It appealed to all sexes, ages and all social classes.
The Renault 4 could be described as the epitome of a success story, in France and around the world. It was a car that achieved truly amazing sales figures throughout its commercial career, having sold 8,135,424 units on five continents and in more than a hundred countries over 30 years, a feat that made it Renault’s best-selling model worldwide level. Made in Europe (Belgium, Spain, etc.), South America (Argentina, Colombia, Peru, etc.), Africa (Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, etc.) and even Australia, the Renault 4 is the fourth best-selling car of all time. Not surprisingly, it has become an international cultural icon. The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is not afraid of the confrontation with it, nor is it worried about this heavy heritage.
The revolution of electrification, accessible to all
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric reflects Renault’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition across Europe by making electric vehicles popular and affordable. To this end, it is developing a series of pure electric vehicles for all needs and all uses. The Renault 4 E-Tech electric finds its natural place in the B segment, just above the Renault 5 E-Tech electric. While the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is aimed at customers who move mainly in an urban environment, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is aimed at a wider audience, seeking to turn everyone on to electric vehicles, including young families.
Upgraded ambition
The original Renault 4 can be described in just one word: flexibility. The new Renault 4 E-Tech electric – a car part of the Renaulution strategic plan – takes its place in Renault’s electric range as the car for every need.
For this purpose, it is ideal both for driving with the driver alone, and for family trips, with a normal or full load in the luggage compartment. This is of course the legacy of the original R4. Like its predecessor, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric looks to the future with a new ambition: to enable everyone to discover the advantages of electric vehicles.
Renault 4 E-Tech electric combines excellent luggage space with a modular configuration, which is something new in this segment. The boot has a capacity of up to 420 litres, a low threshold for easy loading, smart storage spaces, a folding rear seat as well as a fully folding mechanism for the passenger seat back – a first for a Renault electric vehicle! At the same time, the increased ground clearance and the advanced Extended Grip traction control system ensure a comfortable ride, both on asphalt and on rough roads.
All these features, together with the large interior spaces, the low center of gravity, the road holding, the driving function with one pedal (‘One Pedal’) – for the first time in an electric Renault – and the autonomy of up to 400km, they could be realized thanks to the AmpR Small platform, which is unique of its kind in Europe.
Retro yet futuristic, designed for adventure
With its retro & futuristic lines and sleek go-anywhere looks, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is primarily a modern car, with a modern and subversive approach to some of the key features of the original Renault 4.
The front grille is the first element that catches the eye. Undoubtedly the aesthetic effect refers to the original Renault 4, being however unique thanks to its permanently illuminated outline, and the illuminated Renault badge in the center (for the first time on a Renault model). Built in a single piece (1.45 m long), it is a world first in the automotive industry, a challenge that was effectively met thanks to the collaboration between the Design, Engineering and Production departments of Renault and Ampere. At the rear, the lights, which are divided into three sections, take on a new lease of life, while at the same time referencing those of the original model. The rear is distinguished by the sporty and modern lines with the characteristic signature of the LED lights, while its design recalls the capsule shape of that iconic model of the 60s.
This has the unexpected effect of making the tailgate appear larger than it actually is. This is mainly due to the 5th door being lowered down to the bumper for a wider opening and a lower loading threshold, in the same way as on the original Renault 4. The elegant rear 3rd window/porthole retains not only its natural position on the side, but also the characteristic shape with lines, like its predecessor. The three distinctive stripes sculpted into the surface of the doors add a distinctive touch to the profile of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, while bringing to mind the original Renault 4 GTL. Finally, the roof retains the iconic design of the historic model, with the current model also including roof bars.
With a multitude of useful technologies and services
Like all modern Renault models, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric incorporates a wealth of smart and useful technological innovations. These features offer a new kind of driving experience based on wellness, simplicity, comfort, seamless connectivity and safety.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is a versatile vehicle that offers highly dynamic performance, with its optimized front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, a feature that was usually reserved for models belonging to higher market segments.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric has a host of advanced comfort and safety technology systems, such as Active Driver Assist for Level 2 assisted (semi-autonomous) driving, at least 26 driver assistance systems and My Safety Switch. Other features include the ‘Fireman Access’ system and safe exit notification for occupants, as well as Safety Score and Safety Coach, which are already available on the Scenic and Renault 5 E-Tech electric.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric also includes the OpenR Link multimedia system, with integrated Google, as well as Reno, Renault’s official avatar, a new daily companion. In collaboration with the ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot, Reno completes the range of technologies available on the Renault 4 E-Tech electric. It is easy to use, even for people who are not familiar with technology.
Finally, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is equipped with a new 11 kW bidirectional AC charger compatible with V2L (vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technologies. In this way, it can be turned into an energy source and even integrated into the ecosystem, feeding carbon-free electricity back into the grid.
Purely electric & ‘made in Europe’
Renault Group has committed to manufacturing the Renault 4 E-Tech in Europe, at the Ampere ElectriCity facility. The vehicle will be assembled at the Maubeuge plant, the engine at Cléon, and the battery from March 2025 at Douai. 75% of all suppliers are located within a 300 km radius of the ElectriCity complex. Reflecting the commitment undertaken by the Renault Group, the above supply chain promotes the competitiveness of local production, while also helping to secure jobs, achieving a smaller environmental footprint.
In line with the Group’s commitment to the circular economy, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric has a percentage of recyclable materials of up to 88.6%. Thanks to the know-how of The Future is NEUTRAL, Renault Group’s circular economy subsidiary, 26.4% of the materials used in the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric come from the circular economy, including metal, glass and 41 kg of recycled polymers placed, for example, under the doors, in the roof fabric, as well as in the interior and boot floor mats. Finally, the fabric in the upholstery of the Techno and Iconic versions is made from up to 100% recycled plastic bottle fibers.
Technical characteristics
Dimensions and weights
• Length: 4.14 m
• Width: 1.80 m
• Height: 1.57 m
• Wheelbase: 2.62 m
• Front overhang: 766 mm
• Rear overhang: 753 mm
• Ground clearance: 181 mm
• Weight: from 1,410 kg
• Trunk capacity: 420 litres
• Trunk threshold height: 607 mm
• Towing capacity: 750 kg
Motor units & batteries
• “Comfort range” version
110 kW synchronous electric motor with winding rotor (150 bhp / 245 Nm)
52 kWh lithium-ion battery (range based on WLTP protocol, up to 400 km)
• “Urban range” version
90 kW synchronous electric motor with winding rotor (120 bhp / 225 Nm)
40 kWh lithium-ion battery (range based on WLTP protocol, more than 300 km)
Performance (version with 110 kW electric motor and 52 kWh battery)
• Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h / < 8.5 seconds,
• Reprise 80 – 120 km/h / < 7 min,
• Top speed 150 km/h
Source: Skai
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