Alpine, Renault’s sporty premium brand, unveiled the A390 electric crossover on May 27, 2025, in Dieppe, France, but U.S. enthusiasts hoping to see this 470-horsepower EV on American roads will need to wait longer than expected. Initially planned as Alpine’s U.S. market entry, the A390’s launch has been delayed due to rising tariffs and shifting demand, with a new timeline pushing its arrival closer to 2030.

U.S. Launch Postponed Amid Trade Challenges

The A390 was poised to be Alpine’s first modern vehicle in the U.S., following the brand’s 2027 EV-only market entry plan. However, Car and Driver reports that “the introduction of high tariffs on imported cars is causing it to reevaluate its plans and will likely delay its U.S. launch closer to 2030.”

These tariffs, combined with a cooling demand for electric vehicles in the U.S., have forced Alpine to rethink its strategy. The automaker had also confirmed this shift in the earlier Automotive News Europe report, noting that “rising tariffs and a low demand for electric cars” prompted the postponement.

Alpine A390 Faces U.s. Market Delay: When Will The 470-Hp Ev Arrive?

This delay reflects broader industry trends. Regulatory pressures, like increasing tariffs on imported EVs, aim to protect domestic manufacturers but can hinder foreign brands like Alpine from entering the U.S. market. Economically, the softening EV demand—driven by concerns over charging infrastructure and battery range in colder climates—adds another layer of complexity for Alpine’s expansion.

A390’s Performance and Features

Despite the U.S. delay, the A390 offers impressive specs for EV enthusiasts. The tri-motor powertrain—one motor on the front axle and two on the rear—delivers 470 hp in the GTS trim, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds. The base GT trim produces 400 hp and reaches 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. Its 89-kWh battery provides a range of 322 to 344 miles on the European WLTP cycle, translating to roughly 293 miles on the EPA test, suitable for most daily commutes.

The A390, measuring 15.1 feet long and weighing 4,676 pounds, straddles the sedan-SUV divide with a fastback design inspired by the A110 sports car. Inside, dual 12-inch displays run Android Automotive, and the cabin features Nappa leather seats. The 18.8-cubic-foot trunk offers practical storage, nearly matching the Porsche Macan EV’s 19 cubic feet.

What the Delay Means for U.S. Buyers

For U.S. buyers, the delayed launch means waiting at least five more years to experience Alpine’s blend of performance and practicality. The A390’s price in Europe—$69,000 to $80,500 (converted from €65,000–€76,000)—suggests a premium positioning, likely increasing with U.S. tariffs. When it arrives, the A390 will compete with models like the Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan EV, but Alpine must navigate a market increasingly favoring domestic EVs with federal tax incentives.

Alpine’s focus on a localized French supply chain, with batteries from Verkor and motors from Renault’s Cleon plant, strengthens its European production but doesn’t mitigate U.S. import challenges. Until tariffs ease or Alpine establishes domestic production, American EV enthusiasts can only admire the A390 from afar, with European deliveries starting in 2026.