Paused! Alpine EV performance brand’s Australian release “under study”
Renault’s plans to introduce its Alpine electric performance brand in Australia have been delayed, with the company citing weak demand for high-end EVs as a key factor.
Previously expected to arrive as early as late 2026, Renault Australia now says the launch of Alpine remains “under study”, with no firm timing confirmed.
Speaking at the launch of the Scenic E-Tech electric SUV, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey said the brand continues to see potential for Alpine locally, but current market conditions are not supportive.
READ MORE: Ferrari slayer! Alpine hatching V6 hybrid-powered flagship to hunt hypercars as brand expands at lightning speed
READ MORE: Porsche Cayman killer? The second-generation Alpine A110 is electric, feather-light, hyper-powerful and coming to Australia
READ MORE: Confirmed for Australia! 2026 Alpine A390 tri-motor terror coming to fight the Porsche Macan
“We are quite excited by Alpine and when we look at Alpine with an all-electric line-up we think there is an opportunity,” Sealey said.
“But when I look at the sales above the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) rate in the Australian market for all electric cars, they’re not fantastic.
“So now’s not the right time to launch.”
Alpine previously had a limited presence in Australia with the A110 petrol sports car, sold between 2018 and 2021.
Its planned return was set to be led by the new A390 electric SUV, a triple-motor model recently revealed in Europe.
In Australia it was expected to target premium rivals such as the Porsche Macan, with pricing tipped to start from around $130,000.
Other models under consideration for Australia included the A290 electric hot hatch and a future electric replacement for the A110, as part of Alpine’s broader global strategy to launch seven EVs by 2030.
However, Sealey said any decision to bring Alpine models to Australia would depend on improving business conditions, including stronger EV demand in higher price segments.
He added that vehicles must be commercially viable for the local arm, its dealer network and customers.
“As soon as it does [meet those criteria], in you go,” he said. “The cupboard’s there to grab something out of it.”
“We’ve still got the opportunity. If you look at Alpine, the A390 is the next car that’s just launched in Europe. It’s a terrific vehicle.
“But would we bring that car into market today when the segment is so tiny above the LCT threshold for EVs?
“Not yet, let’s wait and assess the market further.”
Sealey declined to provide a revised timeline for Alpine’s introduction, reiterating that timing will depend on how the Australian EV market develops.
While Alpine is not currently sold here, the name does have a presence in Australia through Renault’s Esprit Alpine trim, offered on models such as the Arkana and Scenic E-Tech.
Originally founded as an independent performance brand, Alpine was acquired by Renault in 1973 and is now positioned as the group’s global electric performance division.
It also continues to serve as Renault’s motorsport arm, including its involvement in Formula 1.
