2025 Renault 5 Iconic E-Tech EV Electricity · RO75 HTZ

Running costs for this Renault 5 Iconic E-Tech EV are dominated by electricity, but they are generally lower than equivalent petrol superminis. Expect a real-world range of roughly 200-220 miles from the 52 kWh battery, with home charging costs of around 3-4 pence per mile depending on your tariff, and rapid-charging costs higher at motorway service stations. The Iconic trim is well-equipped, so insurance is likely to sit in group 20-25 — modest for a modern EV but worth a direct quote before purchase.

Vehicle excise duty (VED) is currently £0 for zero-emission cars, and the Renault 5 will also be exempt from clean air zone charges such as ULEZ and the London Congestion Charge (with appropriate registration). Benefit-in-kind company car tax is highly favourable for EVs, which may matter if the car is being purchased via a salary-sacrifice scheme. Tyres are a notable running cost, as EVs are heavier than petrol equivalents and low-profile EV-specific tyres can cost £120-£200 per corner fitted.

Estimated annual running costs are in the region of £800-£1,100, covering home charging, insurance, tyres, and routine servicing such as brake fluid, cabin filter, and coolant checks. Renault servicing intervals on the 5 are every 12 months or 18,000 miles, and the first service is usually included with new car sales. Budget around £200-£350 for the first scheduled visit depending on the retailer.

Because there is no MOT history to draw on, the inspection list must focus on areas most likely to show issues on a near-new EV. Begin with the battery state of health: ask for a diagnostic readout showing cell balance and remaining capacity compared to the original 52 kWh specification. Any imbalance greater than 2-3% between cells warrants further investigation. Also check the 12V auxiliary battery, as EV auxiliary batteries can fail prematurely and cause a variety of warning lights.

Inspect the charging port, both for physical damage around the type 2 socket and for any signs of water ingress or corrosion on the pins. Look at the underside of the car on a ramp if possible, paying attention to the undertray and battery pack protection, as scraping on speed bumps is a common issue with low-slung EVs. Examine all four tyres for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment problems following a kerb impact, and check the tyre manufacturing date stamps (DOT codes) — tyres older than 12 months on a nearly new car could suggest the car has been standing. Lastly, scan for any dashboard warning lights and verify that all driver-assistance systems (lane keep assist, parking sensors, camera) function as expected.

General checks still apply: confirm all keys work, test all electric windows and mirrors, ensure the climate control cools and heats effectively, and check the operation of the infotainment screen for dead pixels or lag. Look for any signs of accident repair, including paint thickness readings on every panel, which should be consistent on a near-new car. Verify the operation of the regenerative braking system and the one-pedal driving mode, as these are central to the EV driving experience and costly to repair if faulty.