French automaker Renault recently unveiled an all-electric restomod of its classic R17 model launched in 1971. Imagined through a collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto, this unique Renault EV is a home run blending of a classic past with the technology of the future, and it needs to go into production.
Forgive us for covering this unveiling so late, but Renault is admittedly not on the forefront of our news radar when it comes to EVs and new models. The French automaker does currently sell all-electric models, but its not exactly known for delivering sleek and sexy modes of transportation.
That was a different story in the 1970s, when Renault debuted the R17 coupe, which saw a production run in Europe throughout the decade. During that time, the R17 was marketed in the US, but only sold in small numbers. We’d argue those sales numbers would change if Renault brought the EV restomod seen below into production and global markets.
Since 2021, Renault has developed a number of unique creative projects that collaborate with brilliant minds in design to showcase exercises in concepts that nod to the automaker’s 125-year heritage and notable models that have made their imprint on car culture.
Renault’s latest project is an exquisite EV version of the classic R17 coupe, reimagined for the modern world with the help of French designer Ora Ïto.
Source: Renault
This EV concept is the stuff Renault should be selling
In the US, at least. Europeans may not have quite the appetite (or parking space) for this style of vehicle these days, but this Renault EV concept is a work of art, in our opinion, and we want to see more. The R17 restomod debuted at Maison5 in Paris last week as the fourth collaboration with Ora Ïto in as many years.
As you can see from the image comparison below, the Renault EV concept combines new and old in a beautiful sculptural redesign that holds true to the original but accentuates all elements in a futuristic yet familiar style.
The EV version of the Renault R17 is 17 cm wider and appears to have a slightly shorter rear for better aerodynamics. It also has redesigned wings and wheels for a more modern-day look that is still retro-looking.
The two original headlamps have been transformed into four narrower rectangular modules with rounded corners and the the rear lights are now a single strip. Under the hood, Renault and Ïto have replaced the original R17’s front-wheel drive and longitudinal engine with fuel injection with a rear EV powertrain that boasts 270 horsepower.
The Renault EV concept’s interior was designed to maintain the comfort of the original R17, while improving certain components for the all-electric age. The seats were redesigned around the original “petal” structure with new upholstery, and the dash now features a central screen as well as four small geometric screens behind the steering wheel, inspired by the dials of the original model. Ora Ïto spoke about the design process and the thought behind this reimagined version of a classic Renault vehicle:
We kept the most distinctive design features of Renault 17, starting with the front end. My aim was to add stye and flow, but without altering the character of R17. You can still see the original Renault 17 and its sports coupé looks. I wanted to add my own design codes, accentuating some of the characteristics with a futuristic touch to give them a more timeless look. This is what I did with the wheels, for example. My signature is also visible inside the car. We teleported Renault 17 into the future, making a few subtle changes that give it a whole new look. Our key phrase was: ‘a detail is not a detail’. There is a certain ambivalence in that it is not intended to be taken entirely at face value. We were also aiming for a lighthearted touch. Renault has a strong identity and I like that. You recognize a Renault when you see one, and this restomod is no exception to the rule.
Renault shared that BEV concept sits atop a carbon fiber chassis and its “Galactic Brown” exterior is an original shade developed specially for this EV. The R17 restomod will be on display at Renault’s booth at the Paris Motor Show, taking place October 14-20, 2024. You can see more of the EV in Renault’s video below:
Source: Renault
Electrek’s take
I will come right out and say I adore this car. I’ve always had a soft spot for all things retro, especially those that nod to design elements from the 1980s get me every time.
I loved the Hyundai IONIQ 5 when it came out for the same reason—hell, I still love the IONIQ 5. However, this Renault EV concept has taken it to another level. Hyundai developed something similar with its N Vision 74 concept, which was recently announced to be going into production, so why can’t Renault do the same?
I’m sure it’s easier said than done. Still, I think many people would gravitate toward these types of EVs because they’re not such a deviation from traditional design and provide a classic look with all the benefits of zero emissions. It feels like a slam dunk, and I hope others agree with me and speak up.
If this concept came to fruition, I would 100% consider buying one )as long as I don’t have to move to France). What do you guys think? Dope, or nope?
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Electrify America’s real-time charger data is now displayed on Google Maps, so in addition to up-to-the-minute charger availability, its charging station listings now show connector types, charging speeds, and operational status.
Instead of toggling between apps to check if a station is available or out of order, EV drivers can directly see everything in real time in Google Maps. It’s a seemingly small tweak that makes a big difference, especially if Google Maps is your preferred app for navigation and you’re a regular user of Electrify America charging stations.
“EV adoption is accelerating, and with it comes the expectation of a seamless charging experience,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. “By integrating real-time charging station data, we’re not just improving access, we’re empowering drivers with the confidence to go electric.”
As EV sales continue to climb, reliable and transparent charging information is becoming essential. Integrating Electrify America and Google Maps helps remove one of the biggest headaches for EV drivers: uncertainty about whether a charger will be available when they arrive.
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Cadillac was supposed to only sell EVs by 2030. Although it still plans to discontinue most gas-powered vehicles in its lineup, Cadillac confirmed one will stick around for a while longer.
Cadillac confirms new gas cars are in the works
GM’s luxury brand is crushing it this year, mostly thanks to its growing lineup of electric SUVs. Cadillac now offers an electric SUV in nearly all segments with the entry-level Optiq, midsize Lyriq, and larger Vistiq and Escalade IQ.
Cadillac is coming off its best third quarter since 2013. The luxury brand had three of the top 10 most popular luxury EVs in Q3: The Lyriq (#2), Optiq (#5), and Vistiq (#6).
It also claims to be the leading luxury EV brand, but that doesn’t include Tesla. GM’s luxury brand has now managed 13 straight quarters of growth year-over-year (YOY), achieving its highest share of the luxury market in over a decade.
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Although Cadillac’s former President, Steve Carlisle, declared “It’s the end of the ICE age for Cadillac” in 2019, the luxury brand backtracked on plans to go all-electric over a year ago.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V (Source: GM)
Now, we are learning at least one of the gas cars that will remain in the Cadillac lineup for the foreseeable future. A note from Cadillac’s global vice president, John Roth, stated that the current CT4 and CT5 will be retired after the 2026 model year.
The note, posted on the Cadillac V-Club website, claimed CT4 production would continue through June 2026 and the CT5 until the end of 2026.
That wasn’t all of it. Roth added that “the legacy of the CT5 will continue as a next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle in a future model year.” The next-gen CT5 will be manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan, where the current CT4 and CT5 are assembled.
Cadillac’s global VP confirmed the new gas-powered CT5 will be sold in the US and Canada, promising to reveal more details as plans are finalized.
The CT4 was Cadillac’s slowest-selling vehicle with just 4,066 models sold in the first nine months of 2025, 17% fewer than the same period last year.
Interested in checking out Cadillac’s luxury electric SUVs for yourself? You can use our links below to find models in your area.
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Lectric’s XP4 750 e-bike has become my go-to means of traveling around Brooklyn in the few months I’ve had it, and I’m certain it will be winning the brand another award as the top-selling e-bike in America, which was my conclusion after going hands-on in my review. The standard XP4 e-bike sports a capable 500W brushless geared hub motor (that peaks at 1,092W) alongside a 10.4Ah battery, whereas the XP4 750 e-bike brings along a larger 750W motor (1,310W peak) and a 17.5Ah battery combo that boosts travel times from the standard 50-mile pedal-assisted range up as far as 85 miles. Both e-bikes utilize Stealth M24 tech in the motors for quieter performance, with top 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on your state-specific laws.
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If you’re unaware, Lectric made some serious redesigns with this new generation, including the zero-degree stem, detachable TFT display, and the highly applauded repositioning of its side key location/charging port on top of the keyless riding functionality. Of course, there’s plenty more to love, like the hydraulic brakes, puncture-resistant mixed-terrain tires, the integrated taillight with both brake lighting and turn signals, the Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur, and more.
Lectric XP4 e-bikes with up to $514 bundles (and gifts):
XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $404 bundles (and gifts):
ONE LR Belt-Drive e-bike with $288 bundle (and gifts):
Save up to an exclusive $970 on refurbished Anker SOLIX units like the F3800 power station at a second-best $1,709
We’ve secured exclusive discounts from Wellbots on a collection of 10 different refurbished Anker SOLIX power stations, solar generator bundles, and add-on accessories that total up to $970 in savings. One of the notable standouts that is also seeing the largest price cut is the Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station at $1,709.05 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5RBANKER at checkout for an additional 5% off. This renewed model is dropping from $2,679 to $1,799 with the starting discount, and the exclusive code cuts an extra $90 from the tag – which beats out the best pricing we’ve seen on a new unit by $490. We’ve had two previous exclusive deals on this refurbished station over the year, with today’s deal only beaten out by a drop to $1,699 from May. You’re getting the second-best price here with a $970 markdown, landing it just $10 shy of the May low.
Travel all terrains on Segway’s ZT3 Pro e-scooter with Apple Find My and proximity locking at its $850 low
Looking in on Segway’s extended Fall Prime Day Sale, you have through the rest of the week to hop on the ZT3 Pro Electric All-Terrain Scooter at $849.99 shipped, which also matches the price at Amazon. While it may carry a $1,300 MSRP direct from Segway, you can normally find it down at $1,000 at Amazon. We saw it previously drop to this rate for the first and only time during July’s Prime Day event, with this being the second chance at its best pricing. You’ll be scoring $150 off the going rate (and $450 off the MSRP) for the all-time lowest price we have tracked. Be sure to check out the full lineup of Segway EV Prime Day deals in our original coverage here.
Missed Prime Day? Anker’s new SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 power station is at its next-best $429 price
If you pop in on Anker’s official Amazon storefront, you can currently pick up the new SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station at $429 shipped, which beats out the brand’s direct website by $70. We saw this new backup power solution fall to a new $379 low at Amazon during its Prime Day event last week, while the brand’s direct Prime sale only saw it discounted to today’s rate. If you missed out on that two-day all-time low, you can score it at the next-best price while these savings last. Learn more about it in our hands-on tested review here, while also checking out the early-bird savings on the new SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 power station here.
Forget ice runs with Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L dual-zone electric cooler at $720 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Cordless Dual-Zone Electric Cooler at $719.99 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s current pricing by $179. While it carries an $1,100 MSRP, you’ll more regularly find it around $900 these days, with discounts having gone as low as $719 since it hit the market in March, with that price having only appeared once back during July’s Prime Day event. You’re looking at the next-best rate that only lasts through the rest of the day, giving you up to $380 off the MSRP and equips your outdoor gatherings with a reliable means to keep things chilled and/or frozen.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.