The Ampere ElectriCity plant in Douai has marked a defining moment in Europe’s electric mobility transition, producing its 100,000th Renault 5 E-Tech electric vehicle just 15 months after the model’s launch. It’s a milestone that underscores both the industrial momentum of the Ampere network and the broad consumer appeal of Renault’s reinvented icon.
The landmark vehicle—a Techno trim fitted with the popular 52kWh battery—rolled off the line last week, celebrated enthusiastically by the nearly 3,000 employees who have transformed the Hauts-de-France site into one of Europe’s most advanced EV production hubs.
A Symbol of Market Strength
Since arriving in showrooms in October 2024, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric has become a runaway success. Crowned Car of the Year 2025, it has dominated the European B-segment EV market for months and claimed leading retail positions across multiple countries.
In France, it quickly rose to number one in overall EV sales. The UK followed in October, while the Netherlands and Spain have placed it firmly at the top of its segment. Global momentum is also building, with recent market launches in Turkey, Israel and Morocco, and more countries to be added in 2026.
For Pierre-Emmanuel Andrieux, Director of the Douai plant, the achievement is far more than a production statistic:
“A little over a year after its launch, the production of the 100,000th Renault 5 E-Tech electric in Douai stands as a testimony to the dedication of our teams and the trust of our customers… Today, we celebrate far more than a number: we honour our collective ability to write a new chapter in sustainable innovation.”
A French EV Powerhouse
This milestone is also a celebration of French manufacturing excellence. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric carries the Origine France Garantie label, and Douai plays a central role in Ampere’s broader industrial strategy.
Six fully electric models are assembled on a single line—Renault 5, Megane, Scenic E-Tech electric, Alpine A290, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross—an impressive showcase of flexibility and scale. Around 900 vehicles leave the line each day, two-thirds of which are Renault 5s, supported by three shifts running around the clock.
The Ampere ElectriCity ecosystem itself is designed for efficiency and sustainability. Two-thirds of the Renault 5’s suppliers sit within 300 km of the plant, including Cléon, which produces electric motors. Additional partners span nearby sites such as Maubeuge (Renault 4 E-Tech electric) and Ruitz (hybrid and electric gearbox components, plus battery cases).
Anne-Catherine Brieux, VP Industrial Operations of Ampere and Alpine, highlights the deeper significance:
“Renault 5 E-Tech electric stands as a flagship of our ability to transform an iconic model into a driver of competitiveness and French industrial sovereignty… More than an industrial success, it is a human and collective adventure that proves our capacity to combine speed, innovation, and the creation of sustainable value.”
From European Favourite to Global Player
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric’s rapid ascent reflects a broader trend: the democratisation of electric mobility. Renault’s beloved hatchback—revived with modern tech and unmistakable charm—has resonated with a new generation of drivers, bridging nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering.
And with production accelerating and international markets opening, the Renault 5 E-Tech electric is poised to extend its influence far beyond Europe.
100,000 vehicles in 15 months is not just a production milestone—it’s a statement of intent. Ampere and Renault are building an electric future rooted in local excellence, global ambition and a car that has quickly become a symbol of Europe’s EV movement.
