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As Alpine’s journey towards electrification gains momentum, all eyes are set on the debut of its inaugural EV, the A290, scheduled for this June. While today’s Alpine lineup is headlined by the combustion-engined A110 sports car, the company is rapidly transitioning towards a fully electric range within the next several years.
Unveiled as a concept known as the A290 Beta last year and officially confirmed recently, the A290 is a high-performance hatchback developed from Renault’s upcoming modern 5 hatchback. Key details about this exciting new EV will be revealed at the 2024 Geneva auto show on February 26.
While future Alpine models will maintain a degree of separation from Renault’s product line, there will be platform overlaps when beneficial. Additionally, discussions regarding platform-sharing with various car manufacturers, including Zhejiang Geely, are currently underway at Alpine.
When it comes to the A290, it is underpinned by the CMF-B EV platform, which is a product of the alliance between Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Designed for the small to compact EV segment, this architecture offers a multi-link rear suspension, a feature not commonly found in vehicles within this class.
2024 Alpine A290 prototype
The A290, marginally longer than a Mini Cooper at 157 inches, promises ample interior space for five passengers, according to Alpine’s representations.
Prototype testing is currently being conducted in the extreme conditions of Sweden’s Arctic Circle, pushing battery performance in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that the A290’s battery system holds up against cold-induced range and charging limitations.
Additionally, the A290’s handling traits are being tested on slippery surfaces, with prototypes running on specialized tires designed by Michelin exclusively for the A290.
2024 Alpine A290 prototype
Tire choices for the A290 include Michelin’s Pilot Alpin 5 for winter conditions, as well as two summer options: the energy-efficient Pilot Sport EV and the performance-oriented Pilot Sport S 5, both of which will bear the unique “A29” marking for compatibility.
Alpine’s roadmap doesn’t end with the A290, as the brand aims to release a compact electric crossover and a successor to the A110, anticipated to launch in the 2025 and 2026 timeframe, respectively. Furthermore, plans for two larger SUVs, comparable to Porsche’s Macan and Cayenne, are in the pipeline for a 2027 release, aligning with Alpine’s entry into the U.S. market.
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FAQ Section
What is the Alpine A290?
The Alpine A290 is the brand’s first electric vehicle, a hot hatch that builds on the design of the parent company Renault’s modern 5 hatchback. The A290 is expected to showcase advanced battery technology and handling tuned for a sporting driving experience.
When will the Alpine A290 be revealed?
The A290 is set to make its debut in June, with a preliminary unveiling at the 2024 Geneva auto show on February 26.
What is the CMF-B EV platform?
The CMF-B EV is a modular electric vehicle platform created by the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. It is designed to cater to the subcompact and compact EV market and is noted for its inclusion of a multi-link rear suspension in some of its designs.
Will the A290 be unique from Renault’s cars?
The A290, while sharing its platform with a Renault vehicle, will have unique performance tuning and features in line with Alpine’s high-performance brand identity.
What future plans does Alpine have for its EV lineup?
Alpine has announced that it will be working on a compact electric crossover, an electric successor to the A110 sports car, and two additional larger crossovers. These models are part of Alpine’s ambitious agenda to establish a fully electric lineup by the latter half of this decade.
Conclusion
The impending launch of the Alpine A290 is a significant milestone for the French automaker as it embraces an electric future. By channeling the spirit of the much-loved A110 into an electrified guise, Alpine is setting a new performance benchmark in the EV segment. With comprehensive winter testing and exclusive tires tailor-made for the A290, Alpine demonstrates its commitment to delivering an EV that doesn’t compromise on handling or driving enjoyment. This hot hatch aims to be a formidable entrance to the electric market, setting the wheels in motion for the marque’s subsequent portfolio of electrified vehicles, with burgeoning plans to conquer the U.S. market by 2027.
