The Renault 4 and R5 should soon have 500 km of autonomy

The autonomy, or even more the lack of versatility of small electric vehicles, even though they are sold much more expensive than their thermal counterparts, prevents the adoption by the greatest number of this so-called cleaner mobility. All the manufacturers are working on it, from the Stellantis group which promises up to 500 km on the group's next city cars, Peugeot e-208 in the lead, to Renault which announces the same distance, according to information from The Argus.

Something to seduce a little more

The Renault 5 is a pure aesthetic success, turning heads as it passes, but beyond that, it creates a certain frustration by falling within the norm in terms of consumption and autonomy. Nothing alarming, she did neither worse nor worse than the others, but expectations were very high.

The Renault 4 E-Tech, reminiscent of the 4L of yesteryear, does not do any better in terms of autonomy, while offering a less evocative style in exchange for a generous interior.

In both cases, the technical basis is the same (AmpR Small platform), like the 40 and 52 kWh motors and battery packs. The R4 and R5 offer 300/400 km and 312/410 km respectively depending on the pack chosen. Battery life that is sufficient for everyday use, but which will prove too short for longer trips.

Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, during an interview with our colleagues from The Argushowever, announced up to 500 km of autonomy for 2026 on both models.

An LFP battery in the pipes

We hoped for it at the conclusion of our recent R5 test and Renault will offer it. LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries have a significantly lower energy density than NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), but are available at much lower prices.

The 40 kWh NMC battery of entry-level models will give way to an LFP, which will reduce the initial price very significantly under €25,000while granting a range of 400 km, compared to 312 km currently.

To do this, Renault will use technology cell-to-packwhich allows you to do without battery modules to directly integrate the cells into the pack. This makes it possible to place more in the same space, therefore obtaining more precious kilowatt hours.

Concerning the 52 kWh battery, it will still stick to NMC chemistry, but this should evolve to create better energy density in order to offer more in the same size, already at its maximum. Ultimately, the R5 Autonomie Confort of 2026 will grant up to 500 km WLTP, a welcome increase of almost 25%.