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Renault 4 e-Plein Air: Retro-electro concept revealed

Renault has revealed an electrified version of the classic 4 e-Plein Air to celebrate 10 years of the 4L International Festival.


Under the skin, the cute little Plein Air is powered by a 6.1kWh battery and 13kW motor, both of which have been nicked from the Twizy. Although details haven't been confirmed, Renault expects the car to offer the same 100km of range and 100km/h top speed as the Twizy.

Compared to the 1964 original, the new e-Plein has been given new body panels on its lower flanks and a modernised grille, but the open-top cruiser maintains the essential spirit of the classic.

Inside, there's new trim on the seats and floors, a modern instrument binnacle, and a chic picnic basket on the back.

Speaking of the original, the mid-60s Plein Air wasn't developed initially for wealthy beachgoers like some of Europe's other open-topped curiosities. It was actually designed for the French military, but ended up being more expensive and less capable than the Citroen Mehari.

With that in mind, it ended up becoming a beach car for wealthy Europeans, before being culled in the 1970s. Call it the circle of life.

There are no plans to put the e-Plein into production but it'll be on show at the 4L International Festival.

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