Renault 4 E-Tech

Renault 4 E-Tech
Overview
ManufacturerRenault
Production2025–present
AssemblyFrance: Maubeuge (MCA)
DesignerGilles Vidal
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style5-door SUV
PlatformAmpR Small
RelatedRenault 5 E-Tech
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,620 mm (103.1 in)[1]
Length4,140 mm (163.0 in)[1]
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)[1]
Height1,570 mm (61.8 in)[1]

The Renault 4 E-Tech is a battery electric vehicle manufactured by Renault with production set to commence in 2025. It is a crossover utility vehicle based on the same AmpR Small platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech and takes its name from the Renault 4 hatchback that was produced from 1961 to 1994.

History

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In 2021, the Renault 4ever was announced as one of several new EVs Renault would introduce by 2025.[2] "4Ever" is the name of the EV project that resulted in the 4Ever Trophy prototype concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in October 2022.[1][3] The 4 E-Tech is a compact crossover cousin of the forthcoming all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech.[4] Both the 4 E-Techand 5 E-Tech are based on the same AmpR Small platform; because the AmpR Small platform shares half of its components with the existing CMF-B platform, production costs are expected to be two-thirds of the current B-segment EV offered by Renault, the Zoe.[5] The 4 E-Tech is expected to sell at a premium compared to the 5 E-Tech;[6] the relationship between the 5 E-Tech and the 4 E-Tech is expected to be analogous to the relationship between the CMF-B based Clio and Captur.[1][3]

A commercial panel van variant is also planned which will share the front end and front compartment of the 4 E-Tech with an enlarged cargo area, similar to the relationship between the R4 Fourgonnette and the original Renault 4.[7]

The 4 E-Tech will be built alongside the 5 E-Tech at Renault ElectriCity, a planned union of three existing Renault factories in northern France, Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz;[8] ElectriCity is scheduled to produce 400,000 EVs per year by 2025.[9] Both the SUV and van variant of the 4 E-Tech will be assembled at Maubeuge, while 5 E-Tech will be assembled at Douai; because the AmpR Small cousin Nissan Micra EV also will be assembled at Douai, production of the 4 E-Tech SUV was shifted to Maubeuge.[10] In addition, Renault plans to build a new battery factory in Douai as a joint venture with Envision AESC.[6]

Earlier use of "4ever" and electromod

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In 2011, Renault sponsored the "Renault 4ever" contest that "aim[ed] to revive the R4's spirit" and celebrated the original R4's 50th anniversary. The contest was held conjunction with the web magazine designboom.[11] The competition was won by Mark Cunningham, who received a vintage R4 rally car.[12]

In 2019, a vintage R4 Plein Air convertible was restored and shown at the 10th annual Renault 4L International Festival in 2019. The one-off electromod also was fitted with a battery-electric powertrain borrowed from the Twizy; the single traction motor had an output of 13 kW (17 hp) and 57 N⋅m (42 lbf⋅ft) of torque, and the 6.1 kW-hr battery gave it a range of approximately 100 km (62 mi).[13]

Concept car

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A few teaser photos were released on 4 October, ahead of the official debut on 17 October 2022.[14][15] The concept 4Ever Trophy was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally, and was equipped with modifications to increase its off-road capabilities, including a raised suspension giving a ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 in) and a custom carbon-fibre roof rack with LED lighting housing the vehicle's spare tire.[1]

The centre section of AmpR Small is modified from the conventional CMF-B to accommodate a flat, underfloor battery.[5] Based on planned AmpR Small specifications, the 4ever is expected to have a range of up to 400 km (250 mi) using an electric traction motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (130 hp).[16] Powertrain details of the 2022 Trophy concept confirmed the power output and battery capacity (42 kW-hr), but the range was not rated as it was not a drivable prototype.[3]

Production model

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The production model was revealed on 15 October 2024 at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.[17]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Pappas, Thanos (October 17, 2022). "Renault 4Ever Trophy Concept Previews Retro-Flavored Electric B-SUV With Rugged Looks". CarScoops. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  2. ^ Rimell, Will (4 October 2022). "Reborn Renault 4: electric 4x4 previewed ahead of unveiling". Autocar. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Gaudy, Géraldine (17 October 2022). "Renault 4Ever Trophy. La future 4L sera un SUV urbain 100 % électrique" [Renault 4Ever Trophy. The future 4L will be 100% electric urban SUV]. L'argus (in French). Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  4. ^ Attwood, James; Holder, Jim (2021-09-10). "Renault 4 to be a premium electric crossover". Automotive Daily. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  5. ^ a b Sigal, Peter (June 30, 2021). "Renault confirms it will build 4ever retro-themed EV". Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  6. ^ a b Attwood, James (9 September 2021). "2024 Renault 4ever EV to command premium over 5 sibling". Autocar. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  7. ^ Pappas, Thanos (October 17, 2021). "2025 Renault 4ever: Here's What We Know About The Electric Retro-Inspired Crossover". CarScoops. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  8. ^ Attwood, James (June 9, 2021). "New Renault ElectriCity to centre firm's future EV production". Autocar. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Renault raises EV targets, pledges to lower battery costs". Automotive News Europe. June 30, 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  10. ^ Pelletier, Gregory (October 2, 2022). "L'usine Renault de Maubeuge produira les R4 SUV et Fourgonnette" [The Renault factory in Maubeuge will produce the R4 SUV and Fourgonnette]. L'argus (in French). Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  11. ^ Mini, Massimo (March 20, 2011). "Renault 4ever". Designboom. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  12. ^ "Renault 4 ever design competition: award ceremony". Designboom. October 27, 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  13. ^ Mahoney, John (24 July 2019). "Pure-electric version of classic Renault 4 revealed". CarSale Australia. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  14. ^ Pappas, Thanos (October 4, 2022). "Renault 4-Inspired Electric Crossover Concept Teased Prior To Paris Debut". CarScoops. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  15. ^ Padeanu, Adrian (October 4, 2022). "Renault 4 Concept Teased Ahead of October 17 Debut". motor1. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  16. ^ Crooks, Alastair (4 October 2022). "Iconic Renault 4 to return on 17 October". AutoExpress. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  17. ^ Mossalgue, Jennifer (2024-10-15). "Renault unveils its R4 E-Tech electric SUV with a 'sub-€30K' price tag". Electrek. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
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https://www.renault.co.uk/concept-cars-range/renault-4ever-trophy.html