Renault has offered a sneak peek into the production of its highly anticipated next-generation electric vehicle (EV), the Renault 5. The company has initiated a prototype production run at a state-of-the-art, yet relatively unknown, miniature plant located within its Technocentre engineering complex near Paris.
The Global Production Engineering Center, established 25 years ago, serves as Renault’s prototype facility for vehicles as well as manufacturing and assembly processes. It is here that the company is diligently working on the first set of all-electric Renault 5 vehicles. These prototypes are being developed to prepare the model and its machinery for series production at the Douai plant, situated in northern France, slated to commence next year.
Before entering the production phase, the prototypes are meticulously crafted at the Prototype Build Centre. Renault affectionately refers to these initial versions as “mules.” These “mules” are considered technical representatives of the future production variant and have been in production since October 2021. The current iteration of the Renault 5 “mules” is cleverly disguised in a Clio-like silhouette. Approximately 60 of these prototypes have been produced thus far. Since March of this year, the Renault 5 “mules” have been equipped with the battery and drivetrain that will be integrated into the final production model. These vehicles have also undergone development and testing in Lapland, forming a crucial part of the process to refine the new full-electric CMF-B EV platform. Although Renault labels the CMF-B EV as its platform for small electric cars in the B segment, it is actually based on the combustion engine platform known as the “Common Module Family” (CMF) for the B segment, specifically CMF-B. Remarkably, around 70 percent of the components are expected to be identical, including elements such as the chassis, assistance systems, and infotainment, aiming to streamline costs.
Despite the progress made, further testing is imperative. Camouflaged prototypes will soon embark on European roads before Renault engineers proceed with the final adjustments. Recent sightings of the Renault 5 with standard bodywork during test drives align with this timeline. These test vehicles feature a distinct camouflage design and black steel rims, distinguishing them from the previously showcased concept model, which boasted a vibrant yellow paint and large aluminum rims. Nevertheless, numerous elements from the concept have transitioned into the final design.
The upcoming series production phase necessitates meticulous fine-tuning and testing. Renault emphasizes that the prototyping process at the Technocentre serves as a crucial bridge between product design and large-scale production. This stage allows preliminary hypotheses and numerical data to materialize into tangible solutions that can be tested and validated.
According to reports, the all-electric Renault 5 will be the first EV under the French brand to incorporate a bidirectional charger. This innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service is expected to be available in France and Germany in 2024, with the United Kingdom following suit in 2025.
As Renault continues its preparations for the series production of the Renault 5, the automotive world eagerly anticipates the arrival of this new electric model. With its promising features, advanced technology, and bidirectional charging capabilities, the Renault 5 is poised to make a significant impact in the EV market.
