Renault plans a technology update for the R5 and R4 E-Tech: more range, a new drive system, and cheaper batteries.

Renault plans to technically overhaul its Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech electric city cars at the turn of the year 2026/2027, according to the British magazine Autocar. Plans include a new generation of electric motor, more efficient drive technology, and cheaper batteries for lower entry prices. However, Renault has not yet released any specific performance or range figures.

This is relevant for buyers because both models are still relatively new to the market. At the same time, electromobility is developing so rapidly that manufacturers are modernizing their platforms much earlier than just a few years ago. The announced update should therefore not only improve efficiency but also secure competitiveness against newer models.

New electric motor designed to work more efficiently

According to Autocar, the overhaul's focus is the new "Gen 2 Evo" electric motor. The changes primarily affect the inverter and the reduction gears of the drive units.

The inverter plays a crucial role in electric cars. It converts the battery's direct current into alternating current for the electric motor. Even small efficiency improvements can reduce energy consumption without requiring a larger battery.

Optimizations to the transmission can also help reduce friction losses. This affects both the range and the acceleration.

The actual increase in performance remains unclear. Renault has not yet released any horsepower figures or WLTP range data.

Cheaper batteries are intended to lower entry prices.

Besides the drive system, Renault is apparently also working on more cost-effective batteries.

Whether this will involve new cell chemistries or simply the use of cheaper supply chains is currently unknown. A greater use of LFP cells in entry-level models is conceivable. These are considered less expensive and longer-lasting, but usually achieve a lower energy density than NMC batteries.

Should Renault pursue this approach, cheaper versions could be developed without a significant increase in production costs. However, this technical step has not yet been officially confirmed.

The Gen 2 Evo engine is already in the new Twingo.

The drive unit is not completely new.

Renault is already using the Gen 2 Evo motor in the upcoming electric Twingo, albeit in a deliberately power-reduced version. The vehicle is primarily intended for city driving and requires neither high continuous power output nor particularly high top speed.

The same powertrain is likely to be tuned much more freely in the Renault 5 and Renault 4. Highway driving and longer journeys play a more significant role there.

Competition increases the pressure.

Renault is responding to a market environment that will change significantly in the coming months with a technology update.

Volkswagen is expanding its range of electric small cars. Skoda is also positioning itself in the same segment with new models. At the same time, other manufacturers are launching vehicles with longer ranges and, in some cases, significantly more powerful motors.

While Renault currently achieves ranges of just over 400 kilometers with the Renault 5 and Renault 4, competing models are already being announced with ranges of around 450 to 500 kilometers. Such differences are increasingly decisive in this vehicle segment, as they improve everyday usability on longer journeys and can reduce the need for charging breaks.

Why Renault is already planning the update

This step demonstrates a shift in the development of electric cars.

Previously, platforms often remained virtually unchanged for six to eight years. Today, electric motors, power electronics, and battery technology are being developed much faster. Many improvements can be implemented without a completely new vehicle platform.

This is economically attractive for manufacturers. Instead of developing a completely new model, existing vehicles can be kept competitive with more efficient components.

Customers also benefit from this because technological advances are incorporated into production vehicles more quickly.

Is it worth the wait?

There is currently no general answer.

Anyone needing an electric car on short notice will likely be well served by the current versions of the Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech. These vehicles already offer a range of over 400 kilometers, making them among the most practical models in the small car segment.

However, those planning to buy in late 2026 or early 2027 should keep an eye on the announced model update. If range, efficiency, and entry-level prices are indeed improved, the wait could pay off.

However, crucial technical data is still missing. Without information on performance, battery capacity, or official WLTP range, the actual progress cannot yet be assessed.

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