Renault Open Weekend: The new 4 E-Tech Electric debuts

The open weekend of September 20 and 21 brings together Renault showrooms across Italy for the eagerly awaited launch of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, a "voiture à vivre" that recaptures the democratic spirit of the original and updates it for the ecological transition. The idea is simple: to make the battery-powered car closer and more tangible, starting with a starting price of €15,900 at launch, the result of a combination of government incentives and Renault grants. It's a price that aims to shift the conversation from "what if?" to "what when?", breaking down one of the most perceived barriers to electric vehicles: affordability.

The context helps explain why this double day could mark a turning point. Renault welcomes the new government incentive plan soon to be activated for the purchase of low-emission vehicles. This isn't just a financial boost, but a political and industrial signal that refocuses the goal of renewing an aging fleet and accelerating CO₂ reduction. In this context, the diamond-shaped carmaker is doing its part by extending its efforts beyond electric vehicles: up to €5,000 in discounts on full hybrid models—€3,000 on the Clio, €4,500 on the Austral and Espace, €5,000 on the Captur—and up to €5,300 on the Rafale plug-in hybrid. This confirms a "double-pronged" strategy, with both the all-electric and full hybrid ranges coexisting to support a gradual and inclusive transition.

The star of the show, however, is the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. Not just an exercise in nostalgic style, but a project that focuses on practicality, roominess, and low running costs. During the open weekend, customers will be able to experience firsthand the ergonomics of the cabin, the quality of the materials, and the integration of connected services: electric vehicles are no longer just a price tag but an experience. And this experience will also be the lens through which to interpret its "little sister," the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, also offered at its launch with advantageous terms thanks to a combination of incentives and brand contributions. The message is consistent: to expand the access points to zero-emission mobility by offering real alternatives for different segments and lifestyles.

In the showrooms, Renault advisors will have a delicate but crucial task: working with the customer to develop a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), considering annual mileage, available domestic or public energy, possible wallboxes, and vehicle return policies. This is where electric vehicles reveal their potential when supported by incentives: often reduced insurance fees, access to restricted traffic zones (ZTL), reduced maintenance, and, in many cities, discounted parking. With the 4 E-Tech Electric priced at €15,900 at launch, the economic equation improves, and the discussion shifts to utility value: how much do I save each month? How much does silence in the city matter? How much does reduced regeneration impact my bill?

Management also supports this vision. "The new automotive plan, presented by the government, includes measures that will significantly contribute to the renewal of our country's vehicle fleet, promoting the adoption of low- or zero-CO₂ emission vehicles by customers, particularly those with limited financial resources," commented Sébastien Guigues, CEO of Renault Italy. "We are pleased to support the initiative, contributing to government incentives, to further underscore our commitment to promoting the development of electric mobility, in synergy with businesses and institutions, in Italy and Europe." This statement clarifies the direction: not just selling cars, but expanding access, reducing barriers, and building trust.

This weekend, those who enter dealerships will also find answers for those who aren't yet ready to switch to pure electric. The full hybrid option remains a crucial step for those who clock up miles or don't have access to home charging. Renault's internal incentives for the Clio, Captur, Austral, and Espace lower the entry fee and make a virtuous compromise attractive: lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and no drastic changes in fueling habits. It's a side but not secondary step in the transition, capable of appealing to large numbers.

Finally, there's the issue of product culture. The return of the 4 and the debut of the 5 in the E-Tech Electric guise strike a chord with emotion without losing sight of substance. Those who loved the practicality of the R4 will find a similar spirit in a car designed for everyday use, while the new R5 appeals to an audience seeking personality, connectivity, and a competitive entry-level price. With government incentives and Renault subsidies—which for the electric range reach up to €7,500 for the Scénic E-Tech Electric—the offering becomes more accessible and more affordable for those who are counting their monthly income.

The September 20th and 21st event, therefore, is worth more than a test drive. It's the opportunity to understand whether electric vehicles can really work today, whether it's commuting, running errands, or even long weekends. It's also the perfect time to explore home and public charging solutions, check timeframes and costs, and simulate financing plans and trade-ins. The promise is to leave the showroom with a clear idea, beyond the slogans: which model is right for me, how much it will really cost, and what benefits I can budget for.

Sustainable mobility, after all, isn't an abstract formula. It's the sum of possible choices and the tools that make them accessible. With the open weekend, Renault is attempting to bring order to a complex market, bringing to the table an iconic electric car priced at €15,900 at its launch and a range of hybrid alternatives for those who want to progress gradually. The rest will be done by the miles driven, the silence at traffic lights, and scheduled overnight charging. And the very real feeling of having made a step forward, without taking a leap into the unknown.