Renault presented a compact electric crossover with a range of up to 400 km (21 photos)
Renault has unveiled a new production electric vehicle called the 4 E-Tech. The vehicle will be sold with two powertrains, the longest-range one will travel 400 kilometers without recharging.
The Renault 4 E-Tech shares a platform with the more compact Renault 5 electric hatchback, but differs from it in both size and design style. For example, the crossover borrowed round optics from its historical ancestor (although its shape is created by many diode elements), characteristic rectangular body contours and a trapezoidal solution for the rear pillars. Some versions of the new model, like the original Renault 4, will be offered with a sliding soft top. 18-inch wheels are included in the basic equipment.
At the same time as the serial 4 E-Tech, the first prototype based on it was shown under the name Fl4wer Power, referring to the special versions of the original. It is distinguished by a special body and interior trim, 20-inch wheels and a ground clearance increased by 15 millimeters (the standard electric car has 181 millimeters).
With a length of 4.14 meters, the new model has a wheelbase of 2.62 meters and a 420-liter trunk, that is, in all respects it surpasses the Renault 5 and even the Clio model, but is still more compact than the Captur. At the same time, it is claimed that in terms of space for rear passengers, the electric car is comparable to larger crossovers. It is especially noted that the loading height of the trunk is only 61 centimeters, and the interior can accommodate items up to 2.2 meters long.
Despite the wide possibilities of the original finish, in general, the architecture of the Renault 4 interior is borrowed from the younger hatch. The same angular steering wheel, two displays of 10 and 10.1 inches and a push-button control unit for the climate control system are installed here.
All Renault 4 E-Techs prepared for serial production will have only front-wheel drive. The most affordable modification will be equipped with a 120 hp and 225 Nm engine in combination with a 40-kilowatt battery, providing a range of about 300 kilometers. The more expensive one will receive an engine developing 150 hp. and 245 Nm, and a 52 kW⋅h battery, which will increase the range on a single charge to 400 kilometers. Dynamic characteristics have been announced so far only for the older version: 8.5 seconds of acceleration to 100 km/h with a maximum speed of 150 km/h.
To confirm the off-road nature of the electric car, Renault has included new operating modes of the Extended Grip traction control system in the list of options available for 4 E-Tech. The first, called Snow, is designed for slippery roads: the system will limit traction on the drive wheels at speeds up to 50 km/h. The second is called All-Terrain - in this case, on the contrary, traction will increase when driving at speeds up to 80 km/h.
When exactly the new product will go on sale has not yet been specified.
Renault 4 E-Tech Fl4wer Power