One popular model is turning the tide
Renault’s neo-retro R5 has quickly become the most popular EV amongst private buyers in the UK. It has pushed the French brand to second place in the sales charts.
And 85 per cent of Renault 5 buyers are new to the brand. That means it has one of the highest conquest rates of any model in its history.
A survey of amost 2000 Renault 5 buyers in the UK revealed that roughly 1600 were switching from a rival product. Mini Cooper, Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 were commonly traded.
However, Renault UK MD Adam Wood said that there is “really no trend” to who is buying the electric supermini.
“They’re coming from premium SUVs, small cars, all different brands. Some of them are second cars, some of them are primary cars,” he said. The car’s retro-futuristic design is evidently a key factor in its appeal.
“People see the car and…it’s just a great piece of design that brings a smile to peoples’ faces.”
“Emotion is a big part of the buyer’s purchase too, and that’s why you see such a conquest rate on the 5.”
In its first few months on sale, 2400 examples had been delivered in the UK. It was the best-selling EV to private buyers in April and May, and was the number-two retail EV brand behind Tesla.
Renault’s EV sales increased by almost 10-fold in the first half of 2025. Wood believes that the arrival of the 4 soon will drive further growth. He said that the R5 has “really has brought electric motoring to the masses in terms of affordability”.
Wood cited the 5’s £23k start price and potentially low running costs that give a “very similar” total cost of ownership to a comparable ICE hatchback.
“Accessible pricing is, of course, a factor. But I think often the industry forgets the emotional appeal too. So I think it’s that design and fun that is also attracting more and more private individuals.
“In many ways, I think it’s like a Trojan Horse getting more people considering electric.”
Renault New Zealand called time on passenger cars last year but still has commercial vans on sale.
