Renault enthusiasts can retrofit electric powertrains to their classic R5 and R4. The first cars were converted on behalf of Renault.
Few car brands have as long a history as Renault. In 2027, they will open the doors of a large museum at the closed factory in Flins, about 40 km from Paris. Renault owns a living collection of classic and historic vehicles. New vehicles are added, while others are removed from the collection. In this regard, an auction was recently held, called The Renault Icons, where 180 objects were auctioned off. The most valuable category was related to Formula 1 with cars from Renault Sport, Williams and Alpine. The most bizarre were prototypes and concept cars previously shown at car shows. The group that caught my interest was RetrofitThese are previous models that Renault has converted to electric operation.
R-Fit
We have previously written about the company R-Fit in Cassis, not far from Marseille. They specialize in converting Citroen 2CV og Mehari to electric operation in just 20 hours. Renault has subsequently partnered with R-Fit to create similar conversions for the Renault R4 and R5. The R-Fit conversion kits keep the weight and engine power as close to the cars' original specifications as possible. This allows the cars to retain their original chassis, brakes and steering. The electric motor is mounted longitudinally in the existing flywheel housing with power transmission via the car's original gearbox and drive shafts. The R-Fit control box is then placed above the engine, while the batteries are placed at the rear. The conversion is approved - fully homologated under the L7E class (4-wheel motorcycle).
Part of Renault's electric image
Several of the auctioned retrofit vehicles have been used to transport personnel during French Open of Roland Garros stage in 2022. Renault had recently entered as premium partners at the event. The converted cars were perfectly suited for the purpose. The new electric R5 E-Tech was only shown as a concept car at the time. Later, some of the retrofit cars were exhibited at, among others, Epoqu'Auto fair in Paris. There, the public could also get to know R-Fit better.
Technical specifications
1981 Renault R5 Electric (R-Fit):
- Original mechanical gearbox retained
- Synchronous brushless motor
- Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery
- Weight distribution very similar to equivalent vehicles with combustion engines
- Range of approximately 80 km
- Full charge in 3.5 hours via a 16A – 220V socket
- Electronic charge meter
- 10.7 kWh battery pack with 105V
- Engine power 30 hp
- 2 year warranty
Prices
Prices for electrification may vary as there are different regional support schemes in France. In England they operate with a price from 19.995 GBP including taxes. For Norway it will probably be worthwhile to buy a fully restored and electrified car below the VAT limit. The 3 Retrofit cars were taken from the auction where the bid prices were €16.080 (green car), €21.672 (yellow car) and €26.458 (white car). All cars were restored by Renault prior to 2022 when they were rebuilt by R-Fit.
In addition to the stated prices, 17% French VAT must be paid. When exporting, you can expect to get a VAT refund. Based on today's prices, importing the green car would cost 216.200 NOK including Norwegian scrappage deposit, excluding any fees.
New or old?
An electrified R5 from the 1980s has a range of 80 km. A new Renault R5 E-Tech has a range of 308 km for short range and 411 for long range. New electric R5s are also at least a class larger than the veteran and packed with safety features that were not common over 40 years ago. So there is no rational reason to buy an old R5, whether it is electrified or not.
A vintage car is not normally chosen because of its practical features, nor because of its economy. Replacing the drivetrain is, for many, like replacing the soul of the car. Nevertheless, it can make the car more usable, more practical and less demanding. No oil splashes in the garage, no starting problems, no oil changes or pins and plugs that need to be replaced, no winter preservation. Then you might have more time to enjoy trips in a cool, French car.
Today's R5 E-Tech
See
R-Fit English saddles
Artcurial – The Renault Icons
"Les Collections Renault" will open in 2027
This is vandalism! The vandals should find something sensible to do, such as retrofitting a petrol engine to the R5 E-Tech. That would actually have been constructive, and given the model a reason to exist, which it currently lacks.
The R5 E-Tech has a pretty appealing look, but unfortunately the rest of the car is a tragedy. It doesn't have fast charging, and 411 km isn't exactly "long range", no matter what the advertising claims (and even that is probably an overly optimistic estimate, the actual range is probably much worse). Just imagine what success this car could have had with an internal combustion engine!
(By the way, the European automotive industry has little to learn from its Chinese "competitors"...)