This Electric Open-Top Renault Is The 4L That 2019 Needs Immediately

Renault has built an electric two-seater based on Twizy parts, but styled to look like the roofless version of the firm’s first front-wheel drive passenger car, the 4L
This Electric Open-Top Renault Is The 4L That 2019 Needs Immediately

Renault has released images of a funky all-electric retro two-seater, just as Europe basks in a major heatwave.

Dubbed the e-Plein Air, referencing its electric drivetrain and the French term for ‘fresh air’, the cute, roofless design weighs just 580kg and comes packed with retro style. From the colour-coded picnic basket behind the blue seats (sans headrests) to the polished centre caps and separate chrome bumpers, it’s a feast for fans of the 1960s.

This Electric Open-Top Renault Is The 4L That 2019 Needs Immediately

The concept, a collaboration between Renault Classic, Renault Design and parts supplier Melun Retro Passion, uses Twizy-sourced propulsion gubbins and was put together in just six months. The 17bhp electric motor can propel the e-Plein Air to about 50mph.

The original 4 Plein Air was launched in 1968 in response to Citroen’s Mehari. The e-Plein Air gets more of a beach buggy vibe than the original, though, thanks to larger wheels and a shorter wheelbase inspired by the 4-based JP4 light off-roader, put together in the 1980s. The combination looks absolutely stellar.

This Electric Open-Top Renault Is The 4L That 2019 Needs Immediately

Renault says the car will stay a concept only, but Autocar reports the firm as saying it “will of course be attentive to the reactions of enthusiasts and potential customers.”

We can’t see it coming to even small-scale production, but we can at least imagine how awesome it would look parked up at the beach, the supermarket, the town centre, the charge point and… well, just about anywhere you want to leave it. We want one.

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Comments

Anonymous

As the great roman once said, “Iwaounit”

07/23/2019 - 18:41 |
22 | 0
Freddie Skeates

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

07/24/2019 - 17:16 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Even if it was productionised it would end up being an ugly lump with twice the weight….. Why must car makers constantly dangle forbidden fruit in front of our eyes!?

07/23/2019 - 19:06 |
11 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

idk. Considering they already have a base to build upon, they would not need to redesign a lot.

07/23/2019 - 19:12 |
3 | 0
REAL_sluggo

an e-version of the Mini Moke, sans the roof…

“but Autocar reports the firm as saying it “will of course be attentive to the reactions of enthusiasts” - Enthusiasts?? Who in their sane mind would be “enthused” with this embarrassing lump? An 80s moped would be more exciting - A naked roll on your linoleum floor spread with thumb tacks and tobasco sauce is more appealing

07/23/2019 - 22:16 |
0 | 9

I love it?

07/24/2019 - 09:26 |
3 | 0
Twopoint0

DO IT

07/24/2019 - 07:01 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Plz Renault do it

07/24/2019 - 08:22 |
0 | 0
That_1_Guy
07/24/2019 - 10:09 |
0 | 0
TheDriver 1

That’s my idea of an electric car.

07/24/2019 - 20:12 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

Put me on the shortlist!

07/24/2019 - 21:22 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Whats the price?

07/25/2019 - 10:21 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I’d say it needs a few more horses(30-50 hp just to go 120-130 if you need to), but it’s a really good idea

07/26/2019 - 18:53 |
0 | 0