French manufacturer Renault is wasting no time and is already preparing the first major updates for its new electric stars, the Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech. Although both models were launched recently, capturing the public's attention with their nostalgic reinterpreted design, the engineers from Hexagon are ready to give them added dynamics and efficiency.
Starting next year (late 2026 - early 2027), both models will move to a new technological stage by adopting the Gen 2 Evo electric powertrain, a compact unit that promises to solve the main challenges of the B-segment: power and energy density.
The current architecture of the R4 and R5 models is based on second-generation externally excited synchronous motors (EESM). The new evolution, called Gen 2 Evo, uses lessons learned during the design of future powertrains for larger models (such as the new generations of Megane and Scenic scheduled for 2028).
The key changes focus on two critical components:
This update has already been implemented in preview on the new Twingo E-Tech, but there the power is limited to just 80 hp to suit the strictly urban profile. On the Renault 4 and Renault 5, the Gen 2 Evo technology will be exploited to the fullest to exceed the current 150 hp threshold and increase real autonomy, providing a direct response on the market to strong rivals such as the future Volkswagen ID.Polo or Skoda Epiq.
At this moment, fans of the brand in Romania can access the initial configurations launched by the manufacturer. The Renault 5 E-Tech has already started taking orders in the official network, while the Renault 4 is making its way to showrooms as a spacious and robust crossover alternative.
Here is the current situation of the ranges on the local market:
| Model | Version / Battery | Power | Range (WLTP) | Starting Price (Estimated/List) |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | Urban Range (40 kWh) | 120 hp | up to 312 km | from €25,050 |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | Comfort Range (52 kWh) | 150 hp | up to 410 km | ~€28,000 - €30,000 |
| Renault 4 E-Tech | Evolution (40 kWh) | 120 hp | up to 308 km | ~€29,500 (Europe base) |
| Renault 4 E-Tech | Comfort / Techno (52 kWh) | 150 hp | up to 409 km | ~€33,490 |
Even in the basic versions (Evolution), both models come well equipped for current standards, including the 10.1-inch OpenR Link central screen with integrated Google, heat pump (essential in winter for preserving autonomy) and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology for powering external devices.
On the Romanian market, the appetite for compact electric vehicles has been massively influenced by the changes to the Rabla Plus program, but Renault is betting on an ace up its sleeve: emotional design. The R5 is aimed at those looking for an agile urban car, a spiritual successor to the old Clio, but completely adapted to the digital age. On the other hand, the R4 E-Tech, with a generous 181 mm ground clearance and a 420-liter modular trunk, directly targets young families and users who want more practicality.
Renault's strategy of technically refreshing these models just a year or two after their debut clearly shows that the pace of development in the world of EVs is brisk. Customers who choose the current models benefit from competitive entry-level prices, while next year's versions will bring that extra performance intended to transform the small French cars into vehicles capable of long journeys, without the stress of frequent recharging.