Renault is undergoing a strategic shift to significantly enhance the electric range of its vehicles, targeting an impressive 500 km for the Renault 5 and upcoming Renault 4 through advanced battery chemistry. This improvement aims to address challenges in longer trips, making highway travel more viable. While smaller engines will utilize NMC batteries, a future switch to LFP cells may lower costs but could impact energy density. Fast charging capabilities are also crucial for the success of this initiative.
Renault’s Strategic Shift: Aiming for Enhanced Electric Range
Renault appears to be on the verge of a strategic transformation, aiming to boost the electric range of its vehicles significantly. Recent insights from L’Argus indicate that advancements in battery chemistry could enable a remarkable 500 km range for the robust 150 horsepower engine. For the 90 and 120 horsepower models, a range of 400 km is also within reach due to a change in battery suppliers.
Anticipating an Impressive 500 km Range
The current WLTP range of 400 km in the Renault 5 already caters to most daily commuting needs. However, on longer journeys, particularly along highways, this range may pose challenges. Traveling beyond 250 km without recharging can be cumbersome.
Thanks to innovations in Lithium NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) chemistry for the 52 kWh battery—recently announced—the Renault 5 and the forthcoming Renault 4 could soon achieve an impressive range of 500 km. This upgrade would place the energy efficiency of these models among the top contenders in the market, potentially rivaling the Tesla Model 3.
Additionally, the sporty Alpine A290, closely related to the Renault 5, is also expected to benefit from this range enhancement, coinciding with the introduction of a potent 245 horsepower engine.
Boosting Range for Smaller Engines
The Renault 5 is set to feature engines with 95 and 120 horsepower, utilizing NMC batteries of 40 kWh with cells sourced from AESC. However, by 2026, these cells produced in Douai will likely be replaced by LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) cells from LG Chem, manufactured in Poland. This shift might compromise the “Made in France” narrative promoted by Renault’s marketing strategy.
The rationale behind this transition could stem from the lower production costs associated with LFP cells, making electric city cars more accessible. However, the trade-off is that these cells typically have a lower energy density. To mitigate this drawback, Renault plans to adopt cell-to-pack technology, which integrates cells directly into the battery pack, maximizing space efficiency.
In summary, with the anticipated 500 km range, Renault’s electric city cars are poised to deliver exceptional versatility, making highway travel a more feasible option. However, it remains uncertain whether improvements in fast charging capabilities will accompany these advancements. Currently, the 150 horsepower version with a 52 kWh battery supports charging at up to 100 kW, while other models with a 40 kWh battery can handle up to 80 kW.
Enhancing range is certainly beneficial, but optimizing charging speed is equally crucial for long-distance travel. The Renault 5 can take as little as 23 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%, provided the battery is equipped for fast charging. Reducing charging times will not only simplify electric travel but also attract drivers who are still loyal to traditional combustion engines.