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2025 Renault 5 E-Tech Five costs under 25,000 euros

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After months of anticipation, Renault has officially unveiled the most budget-friendly version of its retro-inspired electric car—the Renault 5 E-Tech Five. Priced at €24,900 before incentives, the French automaker has fulfilled its promise to keep the model under the symbolic €25,000 threshold, although with some compromises in features compared to higher-end variants.

Positioned as an accessible EV, the 5 E-Tech Five is built on Renault’s AmpR Small platform, sharing its foundation with other R5 models. The basic version comes with a distinctive green exterior, full LED lighting, 18-inch steel wheels, 7-inch digital instrument cluster with 10-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an electric parking brake, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. For those seeking personalization, Renault offers an optional black paint finish, a 22 kW charging cable, and an anti-theft system.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Renault 5 E-Tech Five is powered by a single electric motor with a 95 hp and 215 Nm of torque, paired with a 40 kWh battery. While performance is modest—0-100 km/h in 12 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h—the car offers a claimed range of 310 km (WLTP) with an energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/100 km.

Charging is supported at 11 kW AC, with a 15-80% recharge taking 2 hours and 37 minutes. Buyers can opt for a 22 kW Type 2 cable as an extra, improving charging flexibility.

With this model, Renault completed its offer, spanning from €24,900 for the entry-level version up to €36,400 for the high-end 150 hp Comfort Range Roland-Garros edition. Thanks to various European incentives, buyers in some countries could drive home the retro-styled EV for as little as €20,000.

As Renault strengthens its position in the affordable EV segment, the 5 E-Tech Five is expected to boost sales further, potentially securing a spot among Europe’s top 10 best-selling electric cars this year. Renault’s move is also a clear signal to Chinese EV manufacturers, which have been expanding aggressively in Europe.

Source: Renault

News

Toyota Boss Warns Against Full EV Shift: ‘Millions of Jobs at Risk’

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Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota and grandson of the company’s founder, has once again challenged the global push for rapid electrification, presenting data that questions the environmental benefits of a full shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

While most automakers race toward an all-electric future, Toyoda remains a vocal skeptic. At a recent industry event, he argued that forcing consumers into EVs too quickly could have severe economic and ecological consequences.

“The automotive industry is not ready for a full EV transition. Millions of jobs in the supply chain are at risk if we abandon internal combustion engines prematurely. And from an environmental standpoint, EVs are still dirtier than hybrids when you consider production and battery manufacturing,” said Toyoda.

Toyoda backed his claims with striking figures:

  • Toyota has sold 27 million hybrids since the first Prius launched in 1997.
  • According to Toyota’s calculations, these hybrids have had the same carbon impact as just 9 million EVs when factoring in battery production and vehicle manufacturing.
  • “One EV is as carbon-intensive as three hybrids,” he asserted.

While critics acknowledge that EV production emits more CO₂ upfront, studies show that over their lifetime, EVs typically offset these emissions with cleaner operation—especially in regions with renewable energy. Toyoda, however, insists that hybrids remain a more balanced solution for now.

“The enemy is carbon, not a particular technology. We should keep all options open,” said Toyoda.

Toyoda’s stance has drawn mixed reactions. Some applaud Toyota for resisting “groupthink” on EVs, while others argue the company is lagging behind competitors like Tesla and BYD.

As governments push for stricter emissions regulations, Toyota’s strategy will face increasing scrutiny. But for now, Toyoda remains steadfast: “The future isn’t just electric—it’s multi-faceted.”

Source: Reuters

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Stellantis France Offers Extended 8-Year Warranty to Rebuild Customer Trust

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In a bid to reinforce customer trust and satisfaction, Stellantis France has announced an extended warranty program for vehicles serviced within its official network. The new offer provides coverage of up to 8 years or 160,000 km, marking a significant commitment to long-term reliability and after-sales service.

The initiative comes as Stellantis seeks to reassure customers following several high-profile issues, including the Takata airbag scandal, recurring reliability concerns with the PureTech petrol engines, and problems with BlueHDi diesel units. By extending the warranty, the automaker aims to strengthen brand loyalty and encourage owners to stick with authorized service centers.

Notably, this offer is exclusive to the French market for now, with no confirmation on whether it will be expanded to other regions. However, industry analysts suggest that similar programs could follow elsewhere if the strategy proves successful.

The extended warranty is free of charge but comes with a key requirement: all maintenance must be performed at Stellantis-authorized service centers. This ensures that vehicles are maintained according to manufacturer standards while also securing long-term business for the brand’s official network.

The coverage applies to both passenger and commercial vehicles, encompassing gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric models. Stellantis has also introduced a two-tier warranty system:

Premium brands (Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia) receive additional benefits, including infotainment system coverage, roadside assistance, and a replacement vehicle during repairs.

Mainstream brands (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, etc.) have standard warranty terms, excluding the extra perks offered to premium models.

In its official statement, Stellantis emphasized its “constant quest for excellence and customer satisfaction,” positioning the extended warranty as a testament to its commitment to quality. The move not only incentivizes customers to stay within the brand’s ecosystem but also helps restore confidence after past reliability concerns.

As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and stricter reliability expectations, Stellantis’s extended warranty could set a new benchmark for after-sales service in France—and possibly beyond.

Source: Stellantis