Renault to go all-electric in Europe by 2030, with 24 EVs set to launch in the next three years

John Law

Contributor

With the UK banning combustion engines by 2030, and Europe by 2035, carmakers are having to refresh their stables with EVs, and Renault is the latest

The next decade at Renault is set to look very different, with the French carmaker aiming to only offer electric vehicles in Europe by the year 2030.

Renault CEO Luca De Meo made the declaration that the marque “will be 100 percent electric in 2030 in Europe” to Automotive News Europe after previously spruiking a Renault electric-vehicle offensive he dubbed the ‘Renaulution’ back in January 2021.

Achieving this goal for Renault means releasing 24 all-new electric models between now and the end of 2025.

Renault 5 2024 concept — The Renault electric offensive is coming, with the brand going fully electric in Europe by 2030

Budget-oriented brand Dacia, on the other hand, is unlikely to become fully electric until it absolutely has to, and will instead focus on providing affordable transport.

Other manufacturers including Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz have made similar commitments to electric vehicles as the UK prepares to ban combustion-engined car sales in 2030, and the European Union in 2035.

De Meo has previously stated his will to diversify Renault’s revenue streams, looking to become a “tech company working with cars” using ride-sharing and data collection streams to bolster the French carmaker’s bottom line while investing in new EVs.

What vehicles will make up Renault’s electric assault?

The first EV to go on sale will be the Megane E-Tech midsize SUV this quarter, followed by the Renault 5 light hatch in 2024, and the Renault 4 baby SUV soon afterwards.

Renault 4 2025 teaser — Renault has revealed a teaser of a new SUV called the 4

Other likely vehicles are sporting versions of the Renault 5 EV – potentially wearing new Alpine branding following the death of Renault Sport – and a sports car reportedly being co-developed with Lotus.

As for more attainable vehicles, a Koleos midsize SUV replacement is almost certain, as are commercial vehicles to replace the ageing Trafic and Master vans.

Where is Renault headed in Australia?

Unlike in Europe, Renault in Australia is now being handled by private importer, Ateco, which currently handles GWM-Haval, RAM and Maserati products in Australia, and is evaluating how it will move forward with the 123-year-old French brand.

Currently, Renault sells the Captur small SUV, Arkana coupe SUV, Koleos midsize SUV and Megane hot hatch, as well as the Kangoo, Trafic and Master vans in Australia.

Dacia Duster 2022 dynamic — A potential fit could be found in Australia with Renault’s budget-brand Dacia

Mr De Meo noted that in Europe, budget-oriented brand Dacia is likely to continue producing combustion-powered vehicles until “the last possible moment” in Europe, unless EVs are affordable enough to suit its brand image.

That means if Australia continues to lag behind Europe in electric vehicle adoption – EVs made up just 1.6 percent of new car sales in 2021 according to Chasing Cars estimates – it may be prudent for Dacia to move into the Australian market with its traditional powertrains.