Marie-Claire parked her mint-green Renault 4 outside the bakery in Provence, just like she had every morning for fifteen years. The engine hiccupped once before falling silent—a familiar ritual that neighbors had come to expect around 8 AM. But last week, something changed. The same cheerful profile pulled up, the same driver stepped out, but there was no familiar mechanical symphony. Just silence.
Her grandson Paul emerged from the passenger seat, grinning. “Grand-mère finally joined the 21st century,” he announced to anyone listening. The only clue to the transformation was a small “E-Tech Electric” badge where the old exhaust used to announce its presence with a gentle rumble.
After six decades, this iconic French car electric version has returned to capture hearts again. The Renault 4, beloved by generations of French families, is back—but the question everyone’s asking is whether electric magic can replace the simple charm that made it legendary.
The Little French Car That Could (And Still Can)
The original Renault 4 wasn’t just transportation—it was freedom on four wheels. From 1961 to 1992, over eight million rolled off production lines, becoming the people’s car that could haul anything from furniture to entire families on vacation.
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Now, the Renault 4Ever Electric brings that same spirit into the modern world. But here’s where things get interesting: while the silhouette remains instantly recognizable, almost everything else has changed.
“We wanted to keep the soul while upgrading the heart,” explains automotive designer Laurent Dubois, who worked on the revival project. “The challenge was making it feel like a proper electric car without losing that carefree 4L personality.”
The new version sits on Renault’s CMF-B EV platform, shared with the modern Clio. Gone are the days of manual everything—this iconic French car electric version comes loaded with touchscreens, smartphone connectivity, and advanced driver assistance systems that would have seemed like science fiction to original 4L owners.
What’s Under the Modernized Hood
The technical specifications tell a story of dramatic evolution. Where the original puttered along with a modest gasoline engine, the electric version packs seriously modern credentials:
| Feature | Original Renault 4 (1961) | 4Ever Electric (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 32 horsepower | 150 horsepower |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 93 mph (electronically limited) |
| Range | 300+ miles (full tank) | 250 miles (single charge) |
| 0-60 mph | Never officially tested | 8.5 seconds |
| Fuel/Energy | 7-8 liters/100km | 15.8 kWh/100km |
The electric drivetrain delivers instant torque that transforms the driving experience. Where the original required patience and planning for highway merging, the new version accelerates with surprising vigor.
Key modern features include:
- 52 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- AC and DC fast charging capabilities
- Regenerative braking with multiple settings
- Heat pump for efficient cabin warming
- Over-the-air software updates
“The performance difference is night and day,” notes automotive journalist Christine Moreau. “But somehow, it still feels like driving a friendly, approachable car rather than a high-tech gadget.”
The Price of Nostalgia in the Electric Age
Here’s where reality meets romanticism. The original Renault 4 was famous for being affordable—a car for everyone. The electric revival, however, carries a premium price tag that puts it squarely in the competitive crossover market.
Starting at approximately €32,000 in France, the 4Ever Electric costs roughly five times what an inflation-adjusted original would cost today. This pricing positions it against established electric competitors like the Peugeot e-2008 and Volkswagen ID.3.
French families who remember scraping together francs for their first 4L now face a different financial reality. “My father bought our family’s first Renault 4 with his factory bonus,” recalls Marseille resident Antoine Girard. “Today, that same purchase would require months of saving for most young families.”
The market positioning creates an interesting paradox. The car’s emotional appeal targets people with memories of the original, but the price point appeals to affluent buyers who might never have needed a budget-friendly 4L in the first place.
“We’re seeing a lot of empty nesters and urban professionals who are drawn to the nostalgic design,” explains dealership manager Sophie Bertrand. “But we’re also missing the young families who made the original such a success.”
Living With Electric French Charm
Daily life with the electric version reveals both progress and compromises. The silent startup feels almost sacrilegious to longtime 4L enthusiasts—part of the original’s character came from its mechanical honesty.
Charging infrastructure in France has improved dramatically, with over 100,000 public charging points nationwide. The 4Ever Electric supports both standard AC charging (overnight at home) and DC fast charging (30 minutes for 80% capacity).
Interior space remains surprisingly practical, though modern safety requirements mean slightly less room than the original’s famously flexible cabin. The rear seats still fold flat, maintaining the 4L’s reputation for hauling unexpected cargo.
Range anxiety, that common electric vehicle concern, proves less problematic than expected for typical French driving patterns. Most owners report that 250 miles covers their weekly needs comfortably, with weekend trips requiring planning but remaining feasible.
“I drive from Lyon to my cottage in the Alps every month,” shares retiree Michel Dubois. “The electric 4 makes the trip quieter and more relaxing, even with one charging stop.”
The Cultural Impact of Going Electric
Beyond specifications and pricing, the electric Renault 4 represents something larger: France’s relationship with automotive heritage in an era of rapid change. The car serves as a bridge between nostalgic memories and environmental necessity.
Environmental considerations weren’t part of the original 4L equation, but they’re central to the revival. French emissions regulations and urban air quality concerns make electric powertrains increasingly essential for city driving.
The cultural response has been surprisingly positive. Classic car enthusiasts, often skeptical of electric conversions, seem more accepting when applied to humble, practical vehicles rather than exotic sports cars.
“There’s something honest about electrifying a people’s car,” observes automotive historian Dr. Francoise Laurent. “It maintains the 4L’s democratic spirit while addressing modern concerns.”
FAQs
Is the electric Renault 4 the same size as the original?
The new version is slightly larger overall but maintains similar proportions. It’s about 10cm longer and 5cm taller than the original.
Can I still sleep in the back like the old 4L?
Yes, with rear seats folded, there’s enough flat space for camping, though modern safety equipment reduces total interior volume slightly.
How long does it take to charge the 4Ever Electric?
Home charging takes about 8 hours with a standard wallbox. Fast charging can reach 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes.
Will they make a classic gasoline version alongside the electric?
No, Renault has committed to the electric-only approach for the 4Ever, aligning with their broader electrification strategy.
Is the electric version reliable like the original was known to be?
Early reports suggest good reliability, though electric vehicles have different maintenance needs than the famously simple original 4L.
Can I get parts and service everywhere like the old 4L?
Service is available through Renault’s standard dealer network, though the specialized electric components require trained technicians rather than any local mechanic.