Renault has unveiled its latest electric car – a retro concept based on a Renault 4 from the 1960s.
Called the ‘e-Plein Air’, this retro concept is based on the quirky Renault Plein Air, which was introduced in 1968. It was a quirky door-less convertible sat on the underpinnings of the classic Renault 4.
But to reinvent the model for the 21st century, Renault has stripped out the 4’s dinky petrol engine and replaced it with the drivertrain from the current Renault Twizy.
It has been designed and built by Renault Classic in collaboration with French classic specialists Melun Retro Passion. In its (current) one-off concept guise, it has been created as a bit of fun to explore how past cars can be reinvented for a world increasingly looking to become greener.
Built by Renault Classic, which looks after the French firm’s heritage models, the e-Plein Air will be shown at ‘4L International’ – an event that celebrates everything to do with the Renault 4.
The concept also featured a closed off front grille, bright blue seats and a luggage rack in the rear.
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The concept’s powertrain details are currently unknown – other than Renault saying it uses the powertrain from the Twizy – meaning a limited range of around 30 miles is likely.
But this ‘reinventing a classic with an EV powertrain’ is nothing new. Aston Martin has done it with a classic DB6 Volante, Mini with its original hatchback and Jaguar with its E-Type Zero. There’s also a growing industry for specialist firms adapting classic cars to be EVs, with many concerned about the repercussions for older cars as tighter emissions regulations are enforced.
