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Renault 5 electric vehicle gets technical upgrades for 2026

© B. Naumkin
Renault 5 EV to receive a 56 kWh battery, updated 6AK Evo motor, and improved efficiency, aiming for 500 km WLTP range. New colors and design updates planned for 2026.
Michael Powers, Editor

Renault continues to actively develop its electric vehicle lineup, with the popular Renault 5 set to receive significant technical updates in the near future. The model has already established itself as a leader in the European market and is now preparing for its next evolutionary phase.

New Batteries and Increased Range

The main change will involve battery modernization. The 52 kWh battery will feature updated chemistry and grow to 56 kWh, directly impacting driving range.

Combined with other improvements, this should allow the Renault 5 and related models to achieve around 500 km on the WLTP cycle. There's also discussion about switching entry-level versions to more affordable LFP batteries.

New Motor and Improved Efficiency

Renault will replace the current electric motor with an updated 6AK Evo unit. It will retain its rare-earth-magnet-free design but receive refinements for better efficiency.

Changes will affect the rotor, inverter, and stator winding, where Hairpin technology will be applied. This should reduce energy consumption and improve the car's overall efficiency.

Design Updates and Brand Strategy

Beyond technical upgrades, Renault will refresh the model's color palette, adding new shades familiar from other alliance vehicles. These changes are planned for 2026.

Overall, the brand is betting on regular improvements to maintain its position against competitors like new compact electric models from Volkswagen and CUPRA.