Renault 5 EV Concept Is an Adorable Blast from the Past

From Car and Driver

• Renault has unveiled a new concept car that previews a future EV hatchback.

• Its styling is reminiscent of the Renault 5, which was sold in the U.S. as the Le Car.

• The French automaker is planning to launch seven EVs by 2025.

As the auto industry rushes towards a brave new future, it is becoming strangely keen to reference the past. We already know that Volkswagen is working on an EV reimagining of its original Microbus, and now French automaker Renault has shown a new electric hatchback paying very obvious homage to the Renault 5 hatchback that was sold in the U.S. as the Le Car between 1976 and 1983.

The 5 concept was unveiled at an event in France where Renault joined the increasing number of European automakers committing to rapid electrification, with boss Luca de Meo saying the company is set to launch seven EVs by 2025, with 30 percent of its total production anticipated to be fully electric by the same time. The 5 concept will presumably become one of these—although production hasn’t been officially confirmed, the official line is that “it demonstrates how Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach influenced by one of the most popular and essential cars of its era.”