Renault has finally opened orders for the most accessible version of its electric city car, the one equipped with the 40 kWh battery.
The cheapest version of the R5 is finally available. This “Urban Range” finish equipped with the small 40 kWh battery and sold for 23,990 euros (ecological bonus deducted) has been awaited for a long time. In fact, the diamond brand had preferred to favor, for the launch of the model, the version equipped with the large battery, also the most expensive. This is what we were able to try and it is also this 52 kWh version which seduced us during its test.
Read: our complete test of the Renault R5 E-Tech Electric
Of course, it's not just the battery that differs between a model sold for 35,490 euros and its entry-level version, almost 12,000 euros cheaper. In addition to a fancier interior, the owner will have to deal with a smaller software offering and a reduced display (7 inches instead of 10). But the point that could be critical for many users and perhaps turn them away from the entry-level R5 is the absolute absence of fast charging. The owner of the small city car will have to make do with a domestic charge or a maximum of 11 kW on an AC terminal. Of course, to the extent that Renault is skipping such equipment, the absence of the route planner (although provided by Google) would seem almost anecdotal. There is also no point looking for the exterior screen with the battery charge indicator on this version of the R5, but the absence of this gadget on an entry-level model seems more logical.
The critical lack of fast charging
Renault can always argue that it offers bi-directional charging and the heat pump on this model for less than 24,000 euros, the fact remains that the absence of fast charging is a pill that seems difficult to swallow . Certainly, its announced 312 km of autonomy will be sufficient for most urban uses, but they are theoretical (WLTP approval).
This entry-level version of the R5 comes in three finishes, 'Evolution', 'Techno' and finally 'Iconic 5', with each upgrade adding an additional level of equipment as the price increases. Ultimately, this version of the R5 will be aimed primarily at those who only envisage 100% urban use of the city car and who will be able to charge it at home or at their workplace. For the rest, Renault also took advantage of this opening of orders to announce the arrival, next year, of an intermediate version of the R5, still equipped with the 40 kWh battery, the “Five”. This will be sold for less than 25,000 euros (excluding any bonus).
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