Renault boss hails ‘golden time’ for electric cars in the UK as EV sales surge

In recent years, Renault has been one of the most progressive brands on the market, introducing suitable electric cars for a range of drivers at affordable prices.

The Renault 4 and Renault 5 have proved to be fan favourites among interested drivers, with drivers choosing the EVs for their impressive range, inspired design and low price.

In a market dominated by SUVs and larger vehicles, city cars are making a strong resurgence as drivers look to make the switch away from petrol and diesel.

The Renault 4 starts from £23,445, with an electric range of 249 miles and rapid charging capabilities.

Drivers can even get their hands on the Plein Sud variant, giving them a glimpse of the Mediterranean lifestyle with a canvas sunroof and even a wicker baguette holder.

Renault has seen the strongest interest in its 5 model, having sold more than 19,000 models since deliveries began last year. It also topped the EV charts in April and July this year.

Speaking to GB News, François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, said it was a “golden time” for the brand in the UK, adding that the marque had “bet on electric”.

As part of this strategy, Renault Group will focus on the UK and Germany to turbocharge its sales of C- and D-segment electric vehicles.

He said: “Chinese imports are skyrocketing, but Renault is doing well. In this turmoil, which is not sustainable for anyone, Renault in the UK is doing well.

“Why? Because we are leading the trend in electric, so we are capable of competing. The first thing is emotion. We are making emotional products. R5 is a symbol of this. A very emotional, very appealing electric car.

“All the technologies are in, so when I hear ‘the Chinese automakers are about technology, the other OEMs are lagging behind’, that’s not true. In terms of technology, we are at the same level or better.

“We have the best technology on the EV chain. We have the best entertainment software on the market. On all those topics, we can compete against anyone; it’s why I feel that we are strong.”

At an event hosted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers earlier this year, Adam Wood, managing director of Renault UK, described the Renault 5 as a “Trojan horse” for electrification.

Renault’s shift to more electric vehicles has paid dividends for drivers, with multiple models meeting the Government’s environmental targets and qualifying for the Electric Car Grant.

Drivers can earn a maximum discount of £3,750 off the 4, 5 (52kWh), Megane and Scenic, with a smaller discount of £1,500 available for the R5 with a smaller 40kWh battery.

The Department for Transport has confirmed that more than 200,000 drivers have made use of the grant scheme since it launched in July last year.

Impressive sales totals are following suit, with almost 100,000 new electric cars sold in September alone – the highest number of monthly sales seen in the UK ever.

Since the start of the year, Renault has sold 50,931 new cars, capturing almost three per cent of the total market share and improving year-on-year sales by 4.5 per cent.

Renault’s van offering is also proving popular, with the Trafic being the fourth-best-selling model in September and almost 12,000 models registered since the start of the year.

Mr Provost stated he was “100 per cent sure” that Renault had the best electric van line-up in the UK, with the Master seeing strong sales across the continent.

He also described the Trafic E-Tech as the “R5 of vans”, as well as confirming that an upgraded electric version of the Kangoo would come next year.

“The new frontier for the Renault brand in the UK is to deliver the same success as R5 on the C-segment market because we want to grow in the UK,” Mr Provost added.