Renault 5 - from tiny hatchback to full EV

The Renault 5 EV concept might not be new, but it is the most likely of the concepts that will make it into production.

E Vren5a

The 5 EV is inspired by the famous hatchback that roamed the world’s roads between 1972 and 1995. Indications are that the 5 EV will go into production in 2024 and will be one of seven all-new vehicles that the French automaker will launch come 2025.

Reports say the 5 EV will replace the Zoe, Europe's best-selling electric car as of 2022. The subcompact will ride on the Renault–Nissan Common Module Family platform, also known as the CMF-B EV, which is expected to reduce production costs by 33% compared to the Zoe.

Remember the classic Renault 5 (see original version behind the concept) Well, it might be back within a year or two.

The new EV will be cheaper than the ZOE and make electric vehicles more affordable to a bigger audience.

The Renault 5 EV will have a front-mounted ePT-100 kW motor that will have a range of about 400 km. This is thanks to new powertrain technology and nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries as the power source.

Many people have fond memories of the original Renault 5, but hold on to your horse(power).

This is also the kind of electric vehicle that Renault will hopefully bring to South-Africa within the next two to three years.

At this stage, Renault South Africa has already placed orders for the hybrid versions of the Arkana, a coupe-styled SUV and the smaller Captur Crossover SUV, both SUVs for homologation.

The ICE Captur, which is already in production, will be launched in SA in February next year, and the hybrids could be here for sale within 12 months thereafter, says Renault SA.

The Renault Captur will be arriving Q1 of 2023.
The Renault Arkana might also be here next year.

More New Energy Vehicles stories

South Africa's EV market reaches its tipping point

South Africa's EV market reaches its tipping point

Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), which is building a national network of off grid, ultra-fast EV charging stations powered by renewable energy, has welcomed the latest new energy vehicle (NEV) sales figures, saying they confirm a trend it has tracked for several years.

  • 7 August 2026
New energy vehicle adoption continues to accelerate in SA

New energy vehicle adoption continues to accelerate in SA

South Africa's transition towards electrified mobility continued to gain momentum during June 2026, with 3 045 new energy vehicles (NEVs) sold, representing a 104.2% increase compared to the 1 491 units recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

  • 4 August 2026