Publication date:
June 28, 2025
Renault 5 E-Tech: The Electric Reincarnation of a French Icon
The Renault 5 E-Tech, Europe's car of the year 2025, brings back a beloved French classic as an all-electric vehicle with quirky features and strong performance.
Energy
The Renault 5 E-Tech marks the electric revival of the iconic French "supermini" that first debuted in 1972. Now reimagined as a fully electric vehicle, the new 5 has been named Europe's car of the year for 2025.
Priced starting around £23,000, the Renault 5 E-Tech offers a range of up to 251 miles (WLTP) from its 52kWh battery. The 150 HP electric motor provides ample power, allowing the car to easily maintain highway speeds with reserve power to spare.
While compact in size, the 5 E-Tech packs in plenty of quirky French charm. Most notable is the baguette holder in the passenger footwell - a whimsical touch that sets it apart from more serious competitors. Other unique features include an illuminated "5" battery indicator on the hood and fabric accents on the dashboard and ceiling.
On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech delivers an engaging driving experience. The ride quality and handling are praiseworthy, though road noise is noticeable at higher speeds. The Jean-Michel Jarre-designed audio system provides excellent sound quality.
Charging the 5 E-Tech from 50% to 80% took about 15 minutes at a public fast charger, costing around £15. While more expensive than home charging, it demonstrates the practicality of the car for longer journeys.
The Renault 5 E-Tech has proven popular with buyers, becoming the UK's best-selling EV for retail customers in April. It also leads its segment across Europe, appealing to those seeking a stylish, fun and accessible electric vehicle.
While the original Renault 5 was briefly sold in the US as "Le Car" in the late 1970s, there are currently no plans to bring the new electric version to the American market. For now, this charming French EV remains a European exclusive.
Priced starting around £23,000, the Renault 5 E-Tech offers a range of up to 251 miles (WLTP) from its 52kWh battery. The 150 HP electric motor provides ample power, allowing the car to easily maintain highway speeds with reserve power to spare.
While compact in size, the 5 E-Tech packs in plenty of quirky French charm. Most notable is the baguette holder in the passenger footwell - a whimsical touch that sets it apart from more serious competitors. Other unique features include an illuminated "5" battery indicator on the hood and fabric accents on the dashboard and ceiling.
On the road, the Renault 5 E-Tech delivers an engaging driving experience. The ride quality and handling are praiseworthy, though road noise is noticeable at higher speeds. The Jean-Michel Jarre-designed audio system provides excellent sound quality.
Charging the 5 E-Tech from 50% to 80% took about 15 minutes at a public fast charger, costing around £15. While more expensive than home charging, it demonstrates the practicality of the car for longer journeys.
The Renault 5 E-Tech has proven popular with buyers, becoming the UK's best-selling EV for retail customers in April. It also leads its segment across Europe, appealing to those seeking a stylish, fun and accessible electric vehicle.
While the original Renault 5 was briefly sold in the US as "Le Car" in the late 1970s, there are currently no plans to bring the new electric version to the American market. For now, this charming French EV remains a European exclusive.
