Alpine’s only vehicle currently is gas-powered A110 sports carbut the French performance brand is preparing to launch its first electric vehicle on its way to having an all-electric lineup in just a few years.
The first EV will be the A290, a subcompact hot hatch that was introduced last year with the A290 Beta Conceptand is twin under the skin of the recently revealed Renault 5 E-Tech. Both models are expected to begin deliveries in early 2025.
The A290 is still being tested in prototype form, but Alpine confirmed its debut on June 13 on Tuesday. The debut will take place on the sidelines of the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, which takes place the following weekend. Alpine will compete at Le Mans in the premier Hypercar class with its new A424 LMH racing car.
The A290 uses the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance modular EV CMF-B EV platform. The platform was developed for subcompact and compact electric vehicles and features a multi-link rear suspension, something not typically found on a vehicle of this size. The A290 measures just 157 inches long, making it just a little longer than a Mini Cooper.
Alpine A290 2025 prototype
Alpine A290 2025 prototype
Alpine A290 2025 prototype
Alpine hasn’t provided any powertrain specifications for the A290, although the related Renault 5 E-Tech has 40 and 52 kWh battery options, which will be paired with corresponding electric motors with 120 and 150 hp. It’s likely that the Alpine will just have a bigger battery, as well as more power.
Production of the A290 has been confirmed by Alpine at a factory in Douai, France.
In addition to the A290, it is known that Alpine is working on a compact crossover and an electric successor to the A110, scheduled for 2025 and 2026, respectively. The successor to the A110 was originally created to use a platform developed by Lotus for a sports car that will likely end up as a successor to Elisealthough both brands have gone their separate ways last year. The crossover will likely use Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, found in the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya.
Alpine has confirmed plans for at least four more vehicles. Two of them will be crossovers likely to be in the same segments as the Porsche Macan and Cayenne. They will be key for Alpine to attract customers in the US, where the brand plans to launch in 2027.
