The Mégane is already on sale, with the Scenic set to join it shortly. The 5 will be launched in production form early next year, followed by the more rugged 4 in 2025, and the Twingo is tipped to arrive in 2026.
Ampere said that two additional cars will then arrive as part of its second generation of EVs, growing its line-up of European Renault EVs to seven by 2031. By that point, the firm is aiming to sell around a million EVs per year, up from around 300,000 currently.
Ampere will focus on developing ‘software-defined vehicles’, which will require fewer mechanical parts as a result, allowing for substantial cost-savings. De Meo said that in terms of costs the firm’s first SDV – which based on product cylcle is likely to be the Twingo – would be “on a par with Tesla at that time, and matching the Chinese brands.”
De Meo also hinted that Ampere’s focus on the European market could help it win consumers over compared to Chinese machines that have technology and infotainment more suited to tech-hungry buyers in that market.
“Don’t underestimate the cultural aspects of software usage,” said de Meo. He highlighted security as a major example of this, nothing the European smartphone market move away from Chinese phones due to privacy concerns, but added: “It’s not just about security: it’s about better access. It’s also about culture with functionality, economics and services.
“Our SDV is based on European needs, and we know European customers will value connectivity needs. That’s why we’re not investing heabily in autonomy, we’re aiming for Leve 2+. We see the risk of pushing aheadf in this field.”
Ampere will also develop and produce two EVs for the Renault Group’s performance brand, Alpine, along with the new Nissan Micra for its alliance partner.
De Meo added that it will also produce a new “global” C-segment electric SUV for third Alliance partner Mitsubishi.
What we know about plans for the new Renault Twingo
Plans for a new entry-level Renault model were made public earlier this year, when company CEO Luca de Meo revealed his ambition to ‘democratise’ EV ownership in Europe. Indications that it will undercut the 5 on price suggest that it could go on sale at around the £20,000 mark.