This electric minivan is bringing an ’80s icon back to life

The E-Space Concept is an all-electric reboot of Renault’s iconic minivan from the 1980’s.

Renault brings back the E-Space as an EV

Renault is bringing the minivan back, but this time as a fully electric people mover. With the futuristic E-Space Concept, Renault said it’s “rebooting the spirit” of the original Espace that launched in 1984.

While Renault already sells the Espace as an SUV, this one will be closer to the iconic MPV from the ’80s.

Renault said the “E” in E-Space refers to its E-Tech, or “Electrified Technology,” if you will. Meanwhile, “Space,” as you might guess, refers to the spacious, high-tech interior.

Measuring 4,700 mm long, Renault’s electric minivan is about the same size as the Kia PV5 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz SWB, which it will directly compete against.

The concept retains a similar design to the first Espace, but with a modern twist. It features a wide “U”-shaped light strip at the front and rear, plus an illuminated floating diamond pattern at the front center. The square running lights look nearly identical to the Renault 5.

Renault has yet to reveal specifics, but the company is moving to introduce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries across its entire EV lineup to lower costs, so the electric minivan will likely follow suit.

According to Auto Express, the minivan will use Renault’s new RGEV Medium 2.0 platform, which could deliver a driving range of around 500 miles. The platform also supports an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) configuration.

We will learn more when Renault unveils the E-Space Concept on October 12 at the Paris Motor Show.

Renault will showcase three concept cars, including the E-Space, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, and the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept.

New models, including the Megane E-Tech Electric, Trafic E-Tech Electric, a “hyper-customized” version of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, and the special-edition Rafale Hypnotic, will also be on display.