Small EV done right? Cheaper than BYD Dolphin, 2024 Renault 5 nets 50k pre-orders

The 2024 Renault 5 E-Tech is off to a strong start. The little electric hatchback, which will eventually replace the Renault Zoe, has collected 50,000 pre-orders since making its global debut last week at the Geneva Motor Show.

“We have a waiting list of 50,000 people. We will open orders in May, and we'll start to deliver cars in September or October. The problem is not to see if we have the customers -- the challenge is to have a smooth ramp-up and to be able to deliver to the first customers by October,” said Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive in an interview with Automotive News Europe.

Cambolive also added that apart from winning over sales from rival brands, Renault also wants to Zoe customers into the 5 E-Tech.

With an estimated starting price of 25,000 Euros, the Renault 5 is around 5,000 Euros cheaper than a BYD Dolphin in France. For comparison, the combustion engine Renault Clio is priced from 18,700 Euros.

“If B-segment [small car] customers are choosing the Renault 5, it’s not a competitor for the Clio. We expect the Renault 5 will be in the same position as the Clio in the ICE B-segment,” said Cambolive.

When launched later this year, the Renault 5 will be offered with two battery sizes – a 40 kWh (~300 km range) and a 52 kWh (~400 km). It rides on Renault’s latest EV dedicated AmpR Small platform. The battery is supplied by Envision AESC, a Japan-based but Chinese-owned battery supplier.

In Malaysia, the TC Euro Cars sells the Renault Zoe for RM 165,000 (with 52 kWh battery, 395 km).