Renault’s Alpine expands electric performance car plans

Alpine – the electric performance-car division of French car giant Renault – has announced plans to launch seven new electric models by 2030, as part of a plan aimed at establishing it as an internationally-known rival to Porsche.

The plans detailed by executives this week call for Alpine to launch its first electric car in 2024, prior to an expansion in its model range and an entry into new markets from 2027 onwards.

Alpine – which currently sells just one model, the petrol A110 coupe, which was axed in Australia in 2021 – has previously announced plans for five electric vehicles by 2028.

Included in the seven electric cars planned by Alpine is the A290, a city Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS or VW Polo GTI-sized hot hatch previewed earlier this year as a concept, ahead of the production model next year.

It will be joined by a mid-size SUV set to measure about 4.65 metres long – similar to a Toyota RAV4 – with dual-motor all-wheel drive and the underpinnings of the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric SUVs.

Due to follow is a new A110 – in coupe and newly-announced convertible forms, both in 2026 – plus a four-seat relative to the A110 known as the A310, as well as larger SUVs of similar sizes to the BMW X5 and BMW X7.

All new Alpine vehicles will be electric.

The French sports-car maker has confirmed it will develop the new electric A110 on its own, after plans to co-develop the vehicle with UK sports-car specialist Lotus folded, and the companies parted ways.

MORE: Renault’s Alpine performance brand plans largest electric cars yet, global expansion

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi said in a media statement: “This comprehensive range will cement our market share in our key markets in Europe and Japan.

"It will also turbocharge our international growth, particularly in the USA and Asia, where our new models will be on sale from 2027.”

Mr Rossi, who is also the boss of the Alpine Formula One team, said the goal was to “move away from being a niche brand and become a global institution.”

The company will draw on software and financial services from Renault-owned companies Ampere (its electric-car division) and Mobilize (a division responsible for car sharing, finance and subscription services), the executive said.

Alpine hopes to break even by 2026.

It is also targeting an operating profit margin of more than 10 per cent, with revenues of €8 billion ($AU13 billion) by 2030 – thanks to the use of Renault technology to reduce cost and improve economies of scale.

Alongside the electric-car plans, Alpine is also exploring plans for a petrol engine powered by hydrogen as fuel – as being developed by Toyota in Japan using a GR Corolla hot hatch.

The French sports-car maker also announced on Monday its Formula One team has received investment from a conglomerate that includes Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Michael B Jordan.