Renault Twizy


The Renault Twizy is a battery-powered two-passenger electric vehicle designed and marketed by Renault and manufactured entirely in Valladolid, Spain. Legally classified in Europe as a heavy quadricycle (light quadricycle for the lower-powered Urban 45 model), the Twizy has a maximum range of 100 km (62 mil).

The Twizy debuted as a concept car unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and was designed by Françoise Leboinne and Luciano Bove. In November 2010, Nissan announced a rebadged variant to the Twizy, called the New Mobility Concept, or NMC. In May 2011, Renault announced they would produce the Twizy and began taking reservations.


In March 2012, the Twizy was released to the France market, followed a month later in the UK and several other European countries. Available in three models, starting at € 6,990 up to € 8,490 (in the UK: £ 6,990 to £ 7,400), the Twizy sales price does not include the battery pack, which is leased for a monthly fee that includes roadside assistance and a battery replacement guarantee.

The Twizy was the top-selling plug-in electric vehicle in Europe during 2012. Since its introduction, 15,000 Twizy have been sold worldwide through April 2015, with Germany, France, Italy and Spain as the top selling markets.


The Twizy is an ultra-compact vehicle, with a length of 2.32 metres (7 ft 7 in), a width of 1.19 metres (3 ft 11 in) and a height of 1.46 metres (4 ft 9 in).


The vehicle's frame and body offer occupants extra protection with its deformable structure, while the outboard position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located either side of the chassis provide protection in case of a side impact. The safety retention systems include a driver's airbag, a four-point safety belt at the front and a three-point one at the rear.


The heavy quadricycle-classed Urban 80 model features a 13 kW (17 hp) electric motor and can drive up to 80 km/h (50 mph). It is priced at € 7,690.

The 6.1 kWh (22 MJ) lithium-ion battery is located underneath the front seat. Both motor variants carry the same weight of 474 kg (1,045 lb), including batteries of 100 kg (220 lb). The range is homologated at 100 km (62 mil). In real conditions, Renault announces around 80 km (50 mil). In worst conditions (high speed, no eco-driving), Twizy can reach 50 km (31 mil).


The battery can be charged with an extendable spiral cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle. The integrated charger is compatible with roadside battery charging facilities as well as the standard 220 V 10 A household electrical supply. Charging an empty battery takes around three-and-a-half hours.


A planned Renault battery plant near Paris was delayed due to technical constraints. Construction will start in the second quarter of 2012 and production of batteries is begin in 2014. In the meantime Renault intends to buy batteries for its EV range from a joint venture between Nissan Motor and NEC as well as LG Chem of South Korea. Twizy is only supplied with LG Chem modules. Batteries are assembled in Renault Valladolid plant.