You Will Not Believe Alpine’s First Electric Hot Hatch Rally Car

Alpine is celebrating its 70th anniversary by doing what it does best—racing forward. With the launch of the Alpine A290 Rallye, the brand is entering a new chapter in its motorsport legacy, introducing its first electric rally car designed to meet carbon-neutral goals while staying true to its competition roots. This hot hatch is not just about performance—it is an invitation to drivers and fans to experience rallying in a fresh, electrified way.

The A290 Rallye is not a concept or showpiece—it is track-ready and built to current rally regulations. Alpine is setting the stage with a single rally event in France before the end of 2025. This event will feature the first batch of A290 Rallye units, available to a select number of competitors. The race will be supported by Alpine’s seasoned motorsport team and will include exciting prizes. It is also a powerful marketing tool for Renault’s customer competition division, promising high technical support and a true motorsport experience.

To support participants, Alpine will offer a dedicated race-day environment featuring customized charging infrastructure. Depending on the location, the energy source will vary, but all options are eco-conscious. This move reinforces Alpine’s vision of sustainability paired with adrenaline-fueled motorsport.

The A290 Rallye is also eligible for entry in local rally competitions, giving it a wide playground to perform. In addition, Alpine will introduce an exclusive ranking system for its dealership network, turning the A290 Rallye into both a racing machine and a customer engagement platform.

Under the hood, or more accurately, under the battery pack, the A290 Rallye delivers 220 horsepower and 300 Newton meters of torque to the front wheels. A ZF limited-slip differential enhances traction, while the powertrain management and transmission have been reprogrammed for rally readiness. The vehicle includes advanced electrical monitoring systems to get the most out of its electric power.

Safety is not an afterthought either. The A290 Rallye is built with a welded roll cage and Sabelt racing seats that meet the latest FIA safety standards. Braking performance is serious business, with six-piston calipers and 350-millimeter discs at the front, while the rear features 280-millimeter discs with single-piston calipers. Race-tuned anti-lock braking ensures optimal control, and a hydraulic handbrake gives drivers that final edge needed during hairpin turns.

Built on the chassis of the standard A290, the rally version gets a full makeover with Alpine Racing-developed suspension and ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers. The eight-by-eighteen-inch EVO Corse wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires to keep grip high and lap times low.

In a nod to rally fans who love the sensory experience of motorsport, the A290 Rallye includes a sound generation system. This tech translates speed and throttle input into an artificial sound signature—so spectators and drivers alike can still feel the excitement even in an electric car.

The A290 Rallye will cost €59,990 before tax. It comes as a fully assembled and painted race-ready car. This model is more than just a car—it is a statement from Alpine that electric vehicles can be thrilling, competitive, and built for the rally stage.

The A290 Rallye will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 10 to July 13, followed by an appearance at Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine from September 4 to September 6. The stage is set. Rallying is going electric, and Alpine is leading the charge.