Renault e-Plain Air, the retro concept powered by the drivetrain of the Renault Twizy

Renault wanted to pay tribute to the 4L Internacional and has unveiled a modern version of the Plein Air, called the Renault e-Plain Air. It is a concept born from a collaboration between Renault Classic and Renault Design. Melun Retro Passion, which specialises in parts for classic French vehicles from Alpine, Citroën, Peugeot and Renault, has also taken part in this project.

The diamond brand has not said much about this new concept, but has noted that it features a modernised design and is powered by the electric drivetrain of the Renault Twizy. Although the carmaker has been reticent about the specifics, the images show a concept with an inspired retro design that closely resembles the original.

Despite this, the Renault e-Plein Air has been fitted with a fully closed grille that appears to be made of white plastic. The model also has two-tone seats and a modified rear cabin that seems to house a battery or an electric motor. Regardless of what lies underneath, the rear is equipped with a wicker basket secured by two leather straps.

The Renault e-Plein Air now moves thanks to the drivetrain of the Renault Twizy

Although the exact specifications are not yet known, the Renault Twizy is available with two drivetrain options. The first is the Renault Twizy 45, which features a 6.1 kWh battery that sends energy to an electric motor producing 5 CV and a maximum torque of 33 Nm. These figures give the model a range of 100 kilometres on a single charge and a top speed of 45 km/h.

The mainstream Renault Twizy uses a much more powerful electric motor that produces 17 CV and a maximum torque of 57 Nm. Thanks to the extra power, the electric car can reach a top speed of 80 km/h.

The French brand wanted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the 4L International, a historic rally that brings together all Renault 4L and Renault Estafette models, although it is also open to other Renault classics. It took place last weekend and the Renault team did not want to miss it, presenting this prototype on Twitter.

It is important to note that the Plein Air body was born in the spring of 1968. It was a conversion starting from a conventional Renault 4/4L that was conveniently cut and adapted by the company Sinpar S.A., part of the Renault group. Until 1971, Sinpar bodied 563 units of the Renault 4/4L Plein Air.

Inside, original components of the Renault 4 can be seen, such as the classic umbrella-type gear lever on the dashboard, the steering wheel and the stalks. What does change is the dashboard, which is taken directly from the Renault Twizy and is fully digital. The white and blue two-tone upholstered seats bring a modern and electric touch to this neo-retro version. For this version, the rear seats and the soft top have been removed to make room for the battery and drivetrain.