Renault partners with conversion business to create fully electric classics

Renault in France has introduced the first of a few electrical retrofit kits, in partnership with EV conversion business enterprise R-Fit1.

The kits are thoroughly homologated for streets registration in France and pricing (which includes labour to install) starts from €11,900 (Au$18,400).

The first package to be introduced is for the Renault 4 and was proven at the latest traditional automobile present, Rétromobile.

From time to time also regarded as the 4L, around 8 million examples of the model have been developed throughout the world in between 1961 and 1994. (The R4 was even assembled right here in Australia involving 1962 and 1966).

For French proprietors of what is now a classic auto, the kit simply just slots in to switch the current motor even though leaving the present gearbox in place to use as for every ordinary. This is fortuitous for, as component of the kit’s approval, the electrical substitute is no far more powerful that the original ICE a single – which even in 1983 had only arrived at the ‘heady’ heights of 34 horsepower (25kW).

With a battery voltage or 105V and ability 10.7kWh, it is definitely no ball of fire in phrases of overall performance or array, nonetheless as a way to reinvigorate a typical auto for the 21st century – it is definitely a worthy choice to contemplate. Conversion would give new lifestyle to these cars as a low-priced, neighborhood run-about automobile (as wanted by lots of, such as Bob recently.)

R-Healthy1 are also organizing to release a second kit in September this year: this time for the Renault 5 (the R5 was generated among 1972 and 1996), with a further for the initially generation Renault Twingo (developed among 1993 and 2004) to be produced out there quickly following the launch of the R5 package.

It is really worth noting that only the R4 was ever officially introduced to Australia, and then in comparatively confined quantities. Also, as only the early R4 was developed in Australia there are pretty couple remaining right here now.

However the R4, R5 and first era Twingo ended up extremely popular in France, Europe and many other elements of the globe, so there is a substantial selection of these automobiles even now still left managing around that would be ripe for conversion to limited-vary use.

Regrettably, with so number of remaining Australian R4s (and those people currently being some 30 a long time older than the latest types in other places) there is tiny hope of the kits being introduced to Australia.

On the other hand, it does give a pointer as to what is achievable specified backing from a important company to develop conversion kits and kick-start make a market conversion sector. Probably Toyota could get behind electrification and back the development of a kit for an early Toyota Corolla?

RFIT web page: https://rfitvintage.com/

Technical data for the electric powered retrofit kit made for the Renault 4:

• Unique mechanical transmission program untouched
• Brushless synchronous motor
• Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery
• Weight distribution unchanged
• Driving vary of about 80 km
• Whole demand in 3 hrs 30
• Digital battery charge gauge
• Recharge by using a 16A – 220 V domestic plug
• 105 V battery pack with ability of 10.7 kWh
• 5 kWp/48 kWp engine
• Two-yr assurance

Bryce Gaton is an professional on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Financial state. He has been doing work in the EV sector given that 2008 and is presently working as EV electrical security trainer/supervisor for the College of Melbourne. He also gives assistance for the EV Transition to business enterprise, govt and the general public as a result of his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.