Renault is undoubtedly one of the most compelling brands to watch as the automotive industry progressively transitions to electric power.
With the arrival of the Renault 4 and Renault 5 models, the French car maker has launched two new electric cars in the past twelve months - and it isn’t stopping there.
Renault has announced it will launch at least 12 new electric cars over the next four years, including fully electric, hybrid, and range-extender models.
A new design language will also be part of the French company’s evolution, previewed by a concept car that could foreshadow the next-generation Renault Espace.
Named the R-Space Lab, Renault describes the concept as “a laboratory for exploring the spirit of cars to live in. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the R-Space name. Renault previously used it for a 2011 concept that ultimately previewed the styling of the previous Espace, which went on sale in 2023.
Described as a ‘one-box’ concept, the R-Space lab measures around 4.5 metres long and 1.5 metres tall. It was developed by the Renault Group’s Futurama laboratory, which focuses on developing ‘smart vehicles’ for 2030. Its interior features a versatile, reconfigurable cabin which can be altered depending on the owner’s personal preferences.
Renault has included a curved, panoramic screen that covers the width of the dashboard. Renault says the system can control several key functions, which can be “controlled as naturally as a smartphone”. There is also a small yoke steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system.
On the passenger side, there are curtain airbags built into the seat, with a large, multi-function glovebox. The passenger seat can also slide back as far as the second row. Rear passengers get reclining backrests, flip-up seat cushions and rear doors that open at an angle of 90 degrees for easier cabin access.
Renault has said the concept will not directly lead to a production car, because of its next-generation interior, but we can assume several of its production-ready exterior design cues will preview future cars.
The concept certainly previews some new safety technology, with an alcohol detector and a safety coach powered by artificial intelligence. These are all features we might expect to see on a future Renault production car.
The twelve new cars Renault is planning to launch will mostly focus on medium and large models. They will be at the core of the French company’s plans to boost global sales by two million units, with half of those coming from European buyers.
Renault outlined three ‘growth levellers’ for the next few years. These include strengthening its brand positioning in Europe, expanding its range of electric cars with new hybrids, all-electric cars and electric vans, and launching 14 new models in international markets.
Renault’s plans in Europe include twelve new cars which will come to market over the next four years. The Renault 4, Renault 5 and Twingo will remain the company’s main focus, though.
Despite remaining committed to hybrids, Renault says its all-electric car remains “at the very heart” of its future strategy. A new platform, named the RGEV Medium 2.0, will house many upcoming cars.
It will use an 800V architecture with super-fast charging, accommodating a number of bodystyles. Three configurations will also be available, one with 749km (466 miles) of range, an all-wheel drive electric car with a towing capacity of two tonnes, and a range extender model with a total driving range of up to 1400km (870 miles).
