Renault has produced its 100,000th all-electric Renault 5 at the company’s dedicated EV facility in Douai, France – marking a significant milestone for the French automaker’s electrification strategy.
The milestone vehicle was a Techno+ model equipped with the 52kWh battery pack. This configuration has become the most popular choice among buyers since the R5’s launch in October 2024.
The R5 has claimed multiple industry awards including European Car of The Year, Best Electric Small Car, and Scottish Car of the Year.
Douai Plant Powers Renault’s EV Push
The 118-hectare Douai facility sits 45 minutes from Lille in Northern France. It’s the centerpiece of Renault’s ‘ElectriCity’ manufacturing complex and houses the company’s Ampere division – the electrification arm driving Renault’s EV development.
Beyond the R5, Douai produces the Renault 4, Megane, Scenic, and Alpine A290 hot-hatch. The facility will also build the upcoming Twingo.
“A little over a year after its launch, the production of the 100,000th Renault 5 in Douai stands as a testimony to the dedication of our teams and the trust of our customers,” said Pierre-Emmanuel Andrieux, Douai plant director.
He added that the facility has undergone a complete transformation toward full electrification.
Multi-Model Production Line Strategy
Renault’s Douai factory builds six different models on a single production line. The facility produces approximately 900 cars daily – with about 600 of those being Renault 5s.
The production mix includes:
- Renault 5 and Alpine A290
- Nissan Micra
- Megane and Scenic
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
This concentrated approach allows Renault to reduce costs and environmental impact while maintaining production flexibility.
Two-thirds of Renault’s EV suppliers are located within 300 kilometers of Douai. Most customers fall within a 1,000-kilometer radius – reducing transportation emissions as part of Renault’s goal to achieve net zero manufacturing in Europe by 2040.
“This achievement is built upon the strength of a unique and efficient local ecosystem spanning the entire value chain,” said Anne-Catherine Brieux, vice president for Ampere and Alpine.
The ecosystem includes Douai for final assembly, Cléon for electric motors, and Ruitz for components – all located in France’s Hauts-de-France region.
Brieux described the milestone as proof of “French industrial sovereignty” and the company’s ability to transform an iconic model into a competitive EV.
Renault isn’t alone in reaching the 100,000-unit milestone this year. Skoda recently produced its 100,000th Elroq at its facility in Mlada Boleslav, Czechia – highlighting strong demand for new electric models across European manufacturers.
