Carguru Expands Latvian Fleet with Renault 5 Electric Vehicles

Riga residents may have noticed an increasing number of bright yellow, green, blue, and black Renault 5 E-Tech vehicles on the city’s streets. This isn’t a promotional event or influencer campaign, but rather the next phase of development for Latvia’s first car-sharing service, Carguru.

Growing Electric Vehicle Presence

Over 30 Renault 5 vehicles were observed at a dealership parking lot, signaling a significant expansion of Carguru’s electric vehicle (EV) offerings. This follows speculation, including discussions on the Uzlādēts podcast in November, regarding Carguru’s potential vehicle choices, with a price point of €27,297 per vehicle. The Renault 5 has proven to be the selection.

Carguru’s EV Evolution

The addition of the Renault 5 marks the third wave of electric vehicles for Carguru:

• 2021: Introduction of VW e-up! as the first available electric car-sharing option.
• 2024: Significant increase in EV availability through the acquisition of the OX Drive fleet.
• 2026: Deployment of the Renault 5 as a mass-market urban EV.

Why the Renault 5?

Several factors make the Renault 5 a logical choice for Carguru’s fleet:

• Range: Approximately 400 km (WLTP) – sufficient for city and suburban driving.
• Maneuverability: Compact size and good handling, ideal for navigating Riga’s parking challenges.
• Cost: Relatively low price point, crucial for a car-sharing business model.
• Charging: DC fast charging capability up to 100 kW, minimizing downtime.

Availability and Pricing

The Renault 5 is now available for use through the Carguru application, with a familiar pricing structure:

• Driving: €0.30/minute
• Waiting: €0.07/minute
• Included: 100 km every 24 hours at no extra charge

A typical 15-20 minute city trip is estimated to cost between €4.50 and €6.00, offering a competitive rate for a brand-new electric vehicle.

Industry Trends and Recognition

This move aligns with the broader European trend of increasing EV adoption, with electric cars accounting for 17.4% of the new car market in the EU in 2025. The Renault 5 has as well received accolades, including the title of “Latvian e-car 2025/26” and awards for “Latvian Car of the Year 2026” in multiple categories, including “Electric Car of the Year”, “Small Car of the Year”, and “Design Award” (Mūsa Motors Rīga SIA).

Growth of Electric Vehicle Registration in Latvia

As of January 1, 2026, over 14,000 electric cars were registered in Latvia, demonstrating a growing interest in sustainable transportation. The availability of the Renault 5 through Carguru, combined with potential future subsidies, is expected to further accelerate the transition to an electric vehicle fleet.

Significance of the Renault 5 Addition

The introduction of the Renault 5 to the Carguru fleet represents:

• A sign of market maturity
• A shift towards more affordable EVs
• Another step towards electrified urban mobility

The service is immediately accessible – users can simply open the application and begin driving.

Carguru is the first car sharing service in Latvia, including all costs such as petrol, parking and insurance in the fee.