The momentum behind Renault’s electric renaissance shows no signs of easing. At the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2025, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric rose above an increasingly competitive field to be named ‘EV of the Year’, cementing its status as one of the UK’s most compelling electric choices. Stylish, technologically advanced and distinctly attuned to urban life, the all-electric supermini has quickly become a favourite among British drivers—and now, among industry experts too.
This headline win comes just one year after Renault secured a major accolade at the same awards, when the Scenic E-Tech electric was crowned ‘New Car of the Year’ in 2024. Together, these consecutive victories reflect a brand that has not only re-entered the electric mainstream but is rapidly setting the pace for it.
A New Benchmark in Electric Urban Mobility
In a market flooded with fresh electric models from both European and Asian manufacturers, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric stood out for its irresistible blend of design, technology and affordability. The judges applauded its “brilliantly judged and executed exterior design”, referencing its faithful yet modern reinterpretation of the iconic Renault 5 silhouette. The car’s interior—compact yet cleverly constructed—won similar praise, delivering functionality injected with unmistakable French character.
Renault’s offering of two battery sizes, a 40 kWh unit delivering up to 192 miles and a 52 kWh option offering up to 252 miles (WLTP), was also highlighted as a strong differentiator. With a supermini segment that often forces a compromise between cost and capability, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric strikes an unusually balanced middle ground.
John Kirwan, Editor of Motor Trader, described the car’s desirability and value as “a breath of fresh air”, noting that the combination of sensible range, modern cabin tech and genuinely competitive pricing pushed it to the front of the pack.
A Growing Favourite of Drivers and Dealers
The award also underscores the Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s rapid rise in both customer demand and dealer enthusiasm. According to Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault Group UK, the model has “captured the imagination of drivers and car dealers alike”, quickly earning best-seller status across the UK market.
Its success appears rooted in a clear understanding of what electric buyers want in 2025: a stylish, compact car that doesn’t sacrifice practicality or personality in its pursuit of cleaner mobility.
Design That Looks Back—and Moves Forward
A key part of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s charm lies in how confidently it embraces its heritage. The retro-inspired lines, bold lighting signatures and lively colour options reinvent the unmistakable character of the original Renault 5 for a new era. Yet beneath the nostalgic styling lies fully modern engineering, from its responsive electric powertrain to its intuitive infotainment systems.
The result is a car that feels fun, youthful and deeply accessible—an electric model that prioritises enjoyment as much as efficiency.
Affordability that Advances the EV Market
Affordability remains a critical barrier for many first-time EV buyers, and Renault has positioned the 5 E-Tech electric to directly address that challenge. As with all electric Renaults, it is eligible for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, cutting £1,500 from the purchase price.
This brings the starting cost down to just £21,495 OTR, making the Renault 5 E-Tech electric not only one of the most competitive options in its class but also one of the most accessible electric cars on the UK market as a whole.
By offering credible range, modern tech and stand-out style at such a price point, Renault is reshaping expectations of what an EV can cost—and what it can offer.
Continuing Renault’s Award-Winning Electric Era
With back-to-back major wins at the Motor Trader Industry Awards, Renault’s electric strategy is clearly resonating. The Scenic E-Tech electric opened the door for mainstream, family-focused electric mobility; the Renault 5 E-Tech electric now follows through with a supermini that blends nostalgia, modernity and affordability in equal measure.
As competition intensifies, this latest accolade signals not only the strength of Renault’s EV lineup today but also its ambition to lead the next generation of electric mobility in the UK and beyond.
For further details on the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, you can explore the full model range and specifications via Renault UK’s official channels.
