Alpine's Hot-Hatch BEV Enters Arctic Tests

Alpine’s first battery-electric vehicle is undergoing final extreme climate testing near the Arctic Circle in Sweden ahead of its global launch in June.

The performance-car sub-brand of Renault is known for its lightweight sports sedans claiming sector-leading power-to-weight outputs. Now the Alpine A290 hatchback model is being assessed for low-grip characteristics in temperatures that can drop below -22° F (-30° C).

As with every Alpine, particular attention is given to dynamic performance on the A290. Driver-enjoyment-focused characteristics, such as engine responsiveness, handling in brisk driving and chassis agility top the automaker’s must-have list.

Tests have covered a wide range of equipment including heating, the quality of defogging and defrosting and electronic stability control (ESC) on snow-covered roads in real-world extreme weather conditions.

Its steering wheel, directly inspired by Alpine's Formula 1 cars, includes three mode functions: OV (Overtake), RCH (Recharge) and Drive modes with one-touch access.

For the tests, the A290 is shod with high-performance Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 tires to measure and control the level of braking and driving precision in severe winter conditions.

Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO, says: “Our A290, the future compact B-segment electric sports car is currently being tested in the extreme and demanding conditions of Sweden's Lapland. The target of this important stage is to confirm the direction we have taken with handling and agility, which is part of our DNA on low-grip conditions. To fine-tune its development so that it can be effective in all circumstances and all-weather conditions, the winter development stage of the A290 is crucial as it is a completely new car.”