Renault is currently testing the first nine prototypes of the future electric Renault 5 to further develop and fine-tune it.
Renault has used the CMF-B EV platform for the first time on the upcoming electric Renault 5. It claims that 70% of the parts featured on the CMF-B platform used for Clio and Captur are included in the platform.
Renault states that the CMF-B EV platform is 30% cheaper to manufacture compared to the electric ZOE.
The prototypes being tested, known as mules, have a platform, powertrain, and battery that are technically the same as the future production vehicle. These mules are being tested for winter conditions in Arvidsjaur (Swedish Lapland), as well as average-to-high grip conditions at the Renault technical centres in Lardy (greater Paris area) and Aubevoye (Normandy).
Head of Engineering B EV Family, Jérémie Coiffier, stated that the tests carried out on rolling chassis prototypes would help confirm decisions made regarding comfort and handling on the upcoming Renault 5 electric. He added that the early test drives indicated that the Renault 5 electric was a worthy descendant of the Megane E-Tech electric with best-in-class performance for its category.
Renault states that the new modular platform is ‘easier to make, develop, and optimize the performance of next-generation B-segment electric vehicles’. This new design allows for a new generation of electric vehicles to be created, with adjustable tracks and wheelbase to accommodate different body types and styles.
B-EV Segment Product Performance Director, Delphine De Andria, says that “the new CMF-B EV platform is a great opportunity from a ‘product’ point of view because it means the future electric Renault 5 will boast real driving pleasure while remaining very competitive for its segment”.
The CMF-B EV platform engine compartment is also more compact as the parts used for an electric motor are smaller than those used on an internal combustion engine.
