The Small And Exceptional Renault E-Plein Air

Did These Guys Just Pull The E-Plein Air From Obscurity?

One of the good things that automakers do and always leaves our world better is bringing back classic dressed in modern attire. Quite often, they hit the right chord and are able to amaze the market and even make some good profit out of such an enterprise.

Renault attempted this with the doorless, roofless Renault e-Plein Air that replicated the classic Renault 4 and 4L “Plein Air” open-top version. The original version was a commoner in the late-1960s and apparently built for some military tasks. Somehow, it ended up as a beach car styled as the renowned Fiat Jolly.

The modern version now is an exciting version with a short-wheelbase that is turning out to be simple and fun, probably more in touch with modernity and while maintaining the classic but simple touch. Renault seems to be getting it right as demonstrated by the recently crafted Renault Twizy.

The most exciting feature of the e-Plein is its electrified powertrain, again, borrowed from the Twizy or Tweezy if you like. This is a 6.1 kWh battery pack with a 62-mile range and delivers only 17 hp. When this is placed on a vehicle that is 330 lb (150 kg) heavy, it will be still delivered awesomely.

The easy-relax mode of the e-Plein is giving you a feeling that life is easy and needs not to be rushed. It is good enough easy urban cruises and relaxation.