Renault’s one-off e-Plein Air (French for ‘fresh air’) is the result of a collaboration between Renault Classic, Renault Design and parts supplier Melun Rétro Passion. The newly revealed retro-styled electric convertible is based on its first-ever front-wheel-drive family car – the 4L from the 1960s. It was first presented at the 10th annual 4L International, an event dedicated to the iconic Citroën 2CV rival.
The companies chose the 4L model as a basis for the project because it remains Renault’s most popular model, and its contemporary rivals, including the BMC Mini, Volkswagen Beetle, and Citroën Méhari, have all been electrified already. The original 4L has sold over 8 million units globally so it was a no brainer.
The doorless drop-top e-Plein Air shares a 17bhp electric motor and 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery with the Twizy Urban 80 quadricycle. It took just 6 months to build. It’s roughly 130kg heavier than the Twizy, weighing in at 580kg. Since it uses the powertrain from the Twizy – it has a limited range of around 30 miles. Overall performance details remain undisclosed but preliminary test drives of the e-Plein Air have reached top speeds of 53mph.
There are a few other differences apart from the obvious (the engine) which include style changes like vivid blue seats, a blanked-off front grille, the addition of a bespoke luggage rack and the removal of the rear seats, presumably to make space for the drive unit. The wheelbase has been shortened as well and larger wheels were added for a beach buggy-style stance.
For now, the e-Plein Air remains a concept and will not be brought to production. It has been created as a bit of fun to explore how past cars can be reinvented for a world increasingly looking to become greener. However, its creators do say that they “will, of course, be attentive to the reactions of enthusiasts and potential customers.”
