But this article is not about the Renault 5, but about some other inventions the carmaker will be showcasing in Geneva. They are all intended for the personal transportation industry, they are unique and in some cases, they may overshadow the 5, which they are meant to pay tribute to, altogether.
All five designs are the outcome of partnerships Renault established with French start-ups, and are meant to highlight one of the Earth’s natural elements: land, water, air, and snow.
What that means is we’re dealing with a sailboat, a jet ski, a snow scooter, a bicycle, and an electric foil. All of them, naturally, bring something completely new to the segments they are operating in.
Let’s begin with the sailboat, created in collaboration with a company called Reverso. The device is described as the “first collapsible sailing dinghy” due to its ability to be disassembled into four independent floating parts.
When fully assembled, the boat measures 3.40 by 1.45 meters (11 by 4.7 feet) and weighs approximately 17 kilos (37 pounds). Under ideal conditions, it can reach speeds of 45 kph (28 mph) on the water.
Also designed for use on water is the Searacer jet ski. It is not just any jet ski, but supposedly the first electric one of its kind. The product has been previously showcased, as it won the A’ Design Award, and it is endorsed by French Grand Prix motorcycle rider Fabio Quartararo.
We are not provided with much information about the electric drivetrain powering this device, except for the fact that it offers unrivaled performance and can reach a top speed of 77 kph (48 mph). The jet ski’s battery should provide a two-hour operation time.
The first electric snow scooter is a creation by a company called Moonbike. Built in the traditional style, with a caterpillar track at the rear and a ski at the front, this vehicle is perhaps the most straightforward of its kind in terms of maintenance, as it does not have any chains or belts.
The undisclosed electric powertrain of the Moonbike enables it to reach a top speed of 40 kph (25 mph) and can keep the scooter in operation for up to three hours.
The electric plume foil, designed by Etienne Monbereau, may seem simple, but it is the result of five years of hard work, and it is also powered by electricity. Riders can enjoy up to 90 minutes of autonomy and the foil can reach a top speed of 35 kph (22 mph) – it takes off at just 15 kph (nine mph).
Last but not least in the lineup of unrelated Renault vehicles that will be showcased in Geneva is the Evol BMX. This bicycle is described as the first electric BMX and is the result of collaborative efforts between an electric mobility specialist and an architect.
The bicycle weighs 13 kg (29 pounds) and travels on improvised tracks with the help of a 500 W electric motor. This motor allows the bike to reach a maximum speed of 45 kph (28 mph), and the battery pack has a range of up to 40 km (25 miles).
Renault will be showcasing all of the aforementioned vehicles, including the Renault 5, at their exhibition stand named R5volution Is a French Thing. Alongside these vehicles, Renault will also display their other notable models such as the electric Megane and Scenic, as well as the hybrid Espace and Rafale.
An interesting feature of the Renault 5 is the introduction of an interactive avatar called Reno. This innovative technology is designed to engage and interact with both the car’s owner and passengers, providing them with a unique experience. Reno will not only operate within specific Renault electric vehicles but will also have a mobile app launching soon for use outside the car.
Additionally, Renault will be presenting two technologies based on the Ampere project at the Geneva event. These include the new AmpR Small platform, which serves as the foundation for the Renault 5 and will be utilized in future car models. The other technology is a bidirectional charger and optimized battery systems.
In an unexpected move, Renault plans to generate revenue at the Swiss event by selling various items on-site. These items, however, are not cars but unrelated merchandise such as a football table, a surfboard, a woolen jumper, and an electric scooter named Plume.
According to the Source autoevolution.com