The Renault 5 E-Tech electric was the country’s most popular electric car in April according to latest registrations data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This follows a surge in interest in Renault’s multi-award-winning EV line-up since oil prices climbed significantly in late February, with online enquiries rising 42% in comparison to the two months beforehand.
With that interest now translating into sales, Renault’s registrations of Renault 5, Renault 4, Renault Megane and Renault Scenic in April accounted for more than 49% of all its passenger car registrations.
Adding further sales momentum, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is now available to order with a one-pedal driving function as standard on the techno+ trim and above.
First seen on the versatile Renault 4 E-Tech electric, the system introduces a fourth level of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to slow and even bring the vehicle to a complete stop using only the accelerator – particularly beneficial in stop-start traffic and urban driving conditions.
Further enhancements to R5 include the introduction of a new driver attention alert system that uses an interior camera to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. New ‘PoweR5’ decals for the rear wings are also available, allowing even more personalisation.
Customers can also benefit from a generous connected services package including up to 2GB of data per month for in-car apps – enough for more than 40 hours of audio streaming – available for a defined period depending on contract type.
Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “Interest in electric vehicles has undergone a seismic shift upwards following the spike in oil prices at the end of February. Compared to January and early February, EV enquiries on our website have grown by 42%. Already that is translating to sales, with our EVs accounting for just under 50% of our registrations in April, when most notably Renault 5 was Britain's best-selling EV. With today’s announcement, it is an even more compelling proposition.
“In turbulent times, more and more people are realising the benefits of switching to electric. With a wider choice of more efficient, more desirable and more affordable electric cars than ever before, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
“Not only are EVs are fun to drive, they are also cheaper to fuel than petrol equivalents, by an average of £650 a year for most motorists at today's prices. With Government grants also helping to lower upfront purchase costs, as well as a rapidly expanding charging network, EV ownership is more compelling than ever.”
Renault 5 E-Tech electric brings an iconic nameplate into the electric era with contemporary packaging and advanced technology. Available in three trim levels and a choice of two powertrains, highlights include the OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in, a chassis tuned for agility, and practical charging solutions. Depending on version, it offers up to 252 miles (WLTP) driving range and can charge from 15–80% in around 30 minutes. Eligible for the full Electric Car Grant, prices start from £21,495 on-the-road.