Renault’s strategy to make its electric models more affordable is taking shape. Following similar improvements to the Renault 5 in August, the French carmaker is introducing a new entry-level Renault 4 with a smaller LFP battery, a less powerful electric motor and a Belgian starting price of €27,600.
That is €2,300 below the Renault 4’s original Belgian launch price of €29,900. However, the savings come with relatively minor compromises in performance, equipment and driving range.
The new ‘Jogging’ version, scheduled to arrive before the end of 2026, is part of Renault’s broader effort to reduce EV production costs and compete more effectively in Europe’s increasingly crowded affordable electric car segment.
From speculation to confirmation
As NewMobility.News reported in June, Renault was preparing technical improvements for both the electric Renault 4 and 5, including more efficient electric powertrains and the possible introduction of cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
The Renault 5 received its first improvements in August. Now, the Renault 4 is following with a new entry-level powertrain and a battery using the less expensive LFP chemistry.
Unlike the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries used in the more expensive versions, LFP cells do not require nickel or cobalt in their cathodes. Together with a more integrated cell-to-pack architecture, this should help Renault reduce battery manufacturing costs.
The new Jogging also gets an 80 kW (110 hp) electric motor from the same family as the unit used in the electric Twingo.
Smaller battery, almost the same range
Despite its smaller battery, the new Renault 4 Jogging promises a WLTP driving range of 305 km, remarkably close to the approximately 310 km offered by the previous 40 kWh Urban Range version.
The motor delivers 110 hp and 225 Nm of torque, compared with 150 hp and 245 Nm for the larger-battery Comfort Range models.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hour takes 10.2 seconds, compared with 8.2 seconds for the more powerful versions. DC fast charging remains available at up to 80 kW, compared with 100 kW for the Comfort Range.
These figures underline Renault’s changing priorities. Instead of simply adding battery capacity and horsepower, the manufacturer is seeking a more economical balance between price, efficiency and everyday usability.
€27,600, but not without compromises
Renault’s October Belgian price list confirms that the new Jogging will cost €27,600, including VAT. In Luxembourg, where VAT is lower, the price is €26,687.60.
That makes the new version considerably more accessible than the 52 kWh Evolution Comfort Range, which starts at €33,350 in Belgium.
However, the €5,750 price difference does not simply reflect a smaller battery and motor. The Jogging also comes with a more basic equipment package.
It has manual rather than automatic air conditioning, a simpler digital instrument display and a multimedia system without the Google-integrated navigation offered on Evolution. The heat pump is listed as standard on Evolution but not on Jogging, while Vehicle-to-Load functionality is reserved for the more expensive versions.
For buyers primarily using their EV for daily commuting and shorter journeys, the savings may outweigh these compromises. Others may prefer the additional range and comfort of the larger-battery versions.
More range for the existing versions
Meanwhile, Renault is improving the efficiency of its existing Renault 4 models.
The 52 kWh Evolution Comfort Range now achieves up to 415 km WLTP, compared with 409 km previously, thanks in part to aerodynamic refinements to the underbody and exterior mirrors.
Other versions offer slightly different figures depending on equipment and body configuration. The open-roof Plein Sud models, for example, sacrifice some efficiency for their distinctive lifestyle appeal.
At the opposite end of the range, the new Roland-Garros Plein Sud edition starts at €40,150 in Belgium, demonstrating just how broadly Renault intends to position its retro-inspired electric crossover.
Improving the ownership experience
Beyond the mechanical changes, Renault is also introducing several improvements intended to make daily electric driving easier. Drivers will be able to manually activate battery preconditioning before a DC fast-charging stop, without first selecting a charging station in the navigation system.
Other additions include charging notifications through the My Renault smartphone app, a predictive eco-driving assistant and an emergency stop function designed to bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive.
These changes should improve the usability of the Renault 4, particularly for drivers who frequently rely on public charging infrastructure.
Affordable EVs become a priority
The arrival of the LFP-powered Jogging illustrates a wider shift in Europe’s electric car market. With increasingly competitive models from Stellantis, Hyundai and Chinese manufacturers, Renault can no longer rely on distinctive design and nostalgia alone. Price, efficiency and operating costs are becoming just as important.
At €27,600, the Renault 4 remains above the symbolic €25,000 threshold. Nevertheless, its new entry-level version demonstrates how cheaper battery chemistry and shared electric powertrain technology can help manufacturers reduce prices without completely sacrificing range.
