# French Retro Electric Minivans Renault Revives the Espace as a 4.7 m Electric E-Space Concept By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-06 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-electric-minivans References: [carscoops](https://www.carscoops.com/2026/10/renaults-e-space-concept-reboots-another-french-icon)  Renault is bringing back the Espace as the 'E-Space Concept,' an electric minivan designed to give families a roomy van shape with a cleaner powertrain. Set for a Paris Motor Show debut later this month, it swaps the SUV direction of recent Espace models for a people-mover that nods to the [1984 original](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/favorit-ev). The concept measures 4.7 m, putting it around the length of a Honda CR-V, which suggests an easier fit for daily driving than a full-size van. Its short nose, upright front end, and flat side line put cabin space at the forefront while tapping into a subtle retro feel. For shoppers, this means an [electric family vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-vision-v) that aims to bring back minivan practicality without the bulky image that pushed many buyers toward SUVs. Rivals chasing [nostalgic EV design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electra-orbit) now have another proof point that cyclicality can work in a format built around space, not flash. Image Credit: Carscoops ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Electric Mobility:** Nostalgic vehicle silhouettes paired with modern EV platforms create white space for brands to repackage familiar formats as cleaner, more emotionally resonant transportation. - **Compact Family Vans:** Right-sized minivans that prioritize interior volume over exterior bulk signal renewed potential for urban households underserved by SUVs and full-size people movers. - **Practicality-first Evs:** Electric vehicles designed around space, comfort, and everyday usability broaden the market beyond performance-led or luxury-focused EV positioning. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Legacy automakers can differentiate electric lineups by reviving dormant nameplates with functional redesigns that align heritage with changing family mobility needs. - **Urban Transportation:** Cities and mobility providers benefit from smaller-footprint electric people movers that fit dense environments while supporting cleaner shared or private travel. - **Family Mobility:** The return of van-based electric layouts highlights demand for household vehicles that blend sustainability, seating flexibility, and accessible daily drivability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heritage Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Heritage-electric-vehicles.md) - [Luxury Electric Limousine Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Luxury-electric-limousine-vans.md) - [Practical Cubic EV Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dacia-hipster.md) - [Long-Haul Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-staria-electric.md) - [Boxy Electric Passenger Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pv-passenger.md) - [Modest EV SUV Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gmc-hummer-x-concept.md) - [Compact Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-volvo-ex90.md) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs.md) - [Roomy Long-Range Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seats-and-cargo.md)