This Electric Open-Top Renault Is The 4L That 2019 Needs Immediately

Renault has released images of a funky all-electric retro two-seater, just as Europe basks in a major heatwave.

Dubbed the e-Plein Air, referencing its electric drivetrain and the French term for ‘fresh air’, the cute, roofless design weighs just 580kg and comes packed with retro style. From the colour-coded picnic basket behind the blue seats (sans headrests) to the polished centre caps and separate chrome bumpers, it’s a feast for fans of the 1960s.

The concept, a collaboration between Renault Classic, Renault Design and parts supplier Melun Retro Passion, uses Twizy-sourced propulsion gubbins and was put together in just six months. The 17bhp electric motor can propel the e-Plein Air to about 50mph.

The original 4 Plein Air was launched in 1968 in response to Citroen’s Mehari. The e-Plein Air gets more of a beach buggy vibe than the original, though, thanks to larger wheels and a shorter wheelbase inspired by the 4-based JP4 light off-roader, put together in the 1980s. The combination looks absolutely stellar.

Renault says the car will stay a concept only, but Autocar reports the firm as saying it “will of course be attentive to the reactions of enthusiasts and potential customers.”

We can’t see it coming to even small-scale production, but we can at least imagine how awesome it would look parked up at the beach, the supermarket, the town centre, the charge point and… well, just about anywhere you want to leave it. We want one.