Renault continues to assert its leadership in electric mobility, with the Renault 4 E-Tech electric earning a spot among the seven finalists for the prestigious Car of the Year 2026 award. This marks the fifth consecutive year that a Renault model has been recognised by Europe’s foremost automotive journalists—a streak that underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and range renewal.
Past successes have cemented Renault’s reputation for excellence: Megane E-Tech electric (2022), Austral E-Tech full hybrid (2023), Scenic E-Tech electric (2024 winner), and the Renault 5 E-Tech electric alongside Alpine A290 (2025 winners) all demonstrate the brand’s consistent performance in the electrification race. The Renault 4 E-Tech electric now aims to continue that legacy.
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand, says: “We are very proud that the Renault 4 E-Tech electric has been selected among the seven finalists for the Car of the Year award. It’s a great recognition of all its strengths. The R4 is an electric car designed to meet all everyday needs. It’s already winning over customers: currently the number one electric B-SUV on the French market. And this is only the beginning—more versions are coming soon, including a canvas-roof variant and many more surprises.”
A Modern Icon Reimagined
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric reinvents the DNA of the original model for the modern era. It is a compact electric vehicle designed for versatility, comfort, and everyday usability. Its retro-futuristic styling appeals to a wide audience, while its adaptable interior ensures that functionality is never compromised.
The modular layout offers a load length of 2.20 metres and a boot capacity of 420 litres. The tailgate extends to the bumper, creating a load sill just 61 cm high—a record in the segment, and 10 cm lower than the average competitor. With Extended Grip technology and a towing capacity of 750 kg, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is built to take on every type of journey with confidence.
Technology at the Heart of Every Journey
Inside, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric is designed to make driving and living with an EV as effortless as possible. Safety and convenience are enhanced through advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), while the OpenR Link and Google built-in platform provides more than 100 apps and services. The vehicle’s AI-powered Renault avatar, Reno, offers guidance and interaction, creating a connected, engaging onboard experience.
Available in two configurations, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric caters to diverse needs:
- Urban range: 90 kW motor with a 40 kWh battery, offering up to 308 km of range.
- Comfort range: 110 kW motor with a 52 kWh battery, providing up to 409 km of range.
Fleet and Fleet Van versions, tailored to businesses and professional users, further expand the vehicle’s versatility.
Made in France, Ready for Europe
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is assembled in Maubeuge, northern France, with the motor produced at Cléon and the battery pack in Ruitz. The battery itself recently entered production at Renault’s Douai Gigafactory. Following its launch in France in June, the model is gradually rolling out across Europe, including the UK in a right-hand-drive configuration.
In Strong Company
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric faces stiff competition for the Car of the Year 2026 title, alongside the Citroen C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Skoda Elroq. The winner will be announced on 9 January 2026 at the Brussels Motor Show, taking the place of last year’s winners, Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290.
Renault’s commitment to accessible electric mobility spans more than a decade. From the Megane E-Tech electric to the Scenic E-Tech electric, followed by the Renault 5 E-Tech electric and now the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, the brand is steadily broadening its electric offerings across the A, B, and C segments. Next on the horizon is the Twingo E-Tech electric, a compact city car designed to make electrification accessible to all.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric is more than a nod to nostalgia—it is a versatile, modern, and technologically advanced compact EV, designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers while keeping an eye on tomorrow. As the Car of the Year 2026 approaches, the R4 stands as a clear testament to Renault’s vision: practical, playful, and electrifying.
