The Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is poised to be a game-changer, transforming the A-segment with its return. This new electric model aims to bring electric cars into the mainstream by being widely affordable. It targets a starting price below £20,000, excluding subsidies. This vehicle addresses the lack of compact, affordable options for motorists across Europe. Renault, with its history in small cars, took up this major growth challenge.
Affordable Mobility with New Technology
The core objective for this new Twingo was making e-mobility both affordable and more sustainable. Renault radically rethought its design and production methods to achieve the sub-£20,000 price point. This involved using an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, a first for the Renault Group. This technology reduces dependence on critical metals like cobalt and nickel.
Battery Innovation and Efficiency
The LFP battery utilizes a cell-to-pack architecture. This allows more cells to be packed into a given space, cutting the battery cost by about 20%. Further cost savings come from extensive work on motor efficiency and aerodynamics. These detailed studies limit the necessary battery size and weight. This approach helps the car compete directly with ICE vehicles in the same class.
A New Model Development Strategy
The Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is the first vehicle in the “Leap 100” programme. The program aims to transform the entire vehicle development cycle. The car was designed and built in only 100 weeks, which is twice as fast as previous electric models. This achievement is a first in Renault’s history, cutting the design time by a full year. This speed was possible through a unique organization combining European know-how and Chinese innovation.
Streamlined Global Collaboration
Ampere, the Renault Group subsidiary for electric vehicles, led the project through three stages. Design was launched in France using the AmpR Small platform. The second phase involved the ACDC R&D centre in Shanghai, which accelerated the project using the local ecosystem. ACDC groups engineering and purchasing functions to improve competitive edge. This joint effort optimized costs and shortened usual design timescales without compromising quality.
Iconic Design and Modern Proportions
The Twingo E-Tech electric revives the playful, expressive lines and cheerful face of the original. The one-box body is updated with cleaner lines and advanced headlamp features. Nods to the first-generation Twingo are seen in the shape of the grille and headlamps. The car has arched daytime running lights giving it a friendly personality. It features a subtle smile at the front, directly referencing the first generation.
Spacious Interior and Practicality
Although the car is compact at 3.79 meters long, its interior space resembles a B-segment vehicle. The turning circle is just 9.87 meters, making urban maneuvers easy. The secret to the generous space is the sliding rear seats, a feature inherited from the first Twingo. All versions feature two independent rear seats that slide by 17 cm. Boot capacity is up to 360 liters, or over 1,000 liters with the rear seats folded.
Power, Engine Specs, and Range
The Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is powered by a compact, lightweight 60 kW (82 hp) electric motor. It produces 175 Nm of torque. This lightweight city car weighs 1,200 kg in the Evolution version. It can accelerate from 0 to 31 mph in just 3.85 seconds. Top speed is 81 mph. The usable battery capacity is 27.5 kWh, using LFP technology. This combination delivers an optimized WLTP range of up to 163 miles. Standard charging uses a 6.6 kW AC charger, but 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC charging are optional.
Summary of the New Twingo E-Tech electric
The Renault Twingo E-Tech electric is a comprehensive solution to the challenge of the electric A-segment. It achieves its ambitious sub-£20,000 price through radical cost optimization and innovative LFP battery technology. It has modern proportions and the playful design DNA of the original. Furthermore, the car features advanced connectivity like the OpenR Link system and the Reno avatar in the top trim. This model represents a faster, more sustainable method of vehicle development for Renault.
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Source: Renault
