Described by Renault as an occasional use cable, it greatly improves the supermini’s flexibility but also restricts charging times. Renault says drivers can expect to add around 16 miles of range in three hours of charging.

The FlexiCable launches in France this week, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Luxembourg, but will be available Europe-wide by the end of the year. A full charge can be achieved in 10 hours using the accessory cable, but most owners are expected to have a wallbox at home which will be used most of the time.

Because Renault is an investor in the Ecotricity Electric Highway, it can also rapid charge using points located along motorway networks in the UK, reaching 80% capacity in 30 minutes. Similar schemes are in operation across Europe.