In recent years, the European automotive industry has faced significant challenges as the cost of new cars has risen sharply, making car ownership even more difficult for many consumers. Renault CEO François Provost highlighted this issue in a recent interview with our publication, complaining that the industry was “destroying the auto industry” due to affordability barriers. He called on European regulators to take a “regulatory pause” and bold measures to restore the competitiveness of European manufacturers, especially against the growing dominance of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers.
Central to Renault’s vision is its proposal for a new regulatory category called “E-Car”, which are small, light and affordable vehicles primarily for urban use, inspired by Japan’s kei cars.
These European electric cars will be electric under 4.1 meters long, emit less than 15 tonnes of CO₂ over their life cycle, and be produced with predominantly local components, including batteries. Provost suggests such a category could allow Renault to reduce prices of future models such as the Renault 5, Renault 4 and Twingo electric versions by 10 to 15 percent. This innovation aims to expand accessibility and accelerate the adoption of clean mobility by targeting electric cars produced entirely in Europe and priced below €20,000.
Automobile Magazine – English
