Renault’s sporty spin off brand Alpine has revealed an electric version of its A110 sportscar – but it’s currently only a concept. 

The A110 E-ternité uses the 60 kWh battery and 239bhp motor from the new Megane, giving the electric version around 60bhp less than the petrol model. It also weighs 258kg more, but the 0-62mph time is almost identical, at 4.5 seconds. The range between recharges in 262 miles on the official cycle. 

While the battery modules are identical to those of the Mégane E-Tech, the engineers have reshaped them to achieve better weight distribution, with four modules placed at the front and eight at the rear. The car also uses a two-speed gearbox, which is unusual for an electric car, as most just use a one speed direct drive. It allows the A110 to have faster acceleration combined with a higher top speed. 

The purpose built transmission uses a double clutch with an electronic control, as on the A110 combustion engine, but with clutches modified the accept higher torque. 

Of more interest to some drivers will be the A110 E-ternité’s open roof. Instead of a convertible or targa top, the car has a large opening sunroof. It, and some other parts of the car, are made using a new material which uses flax. The material is said to be as strong as carbon-fibre and with better acoustic properties. 

The A110 E-ternité has been built to celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary and is said to “bridge from a prestigious past to a 100% electric future.”

The A110 E-ternité has an opening roof and, unusually, a two-speed gearbox