Renault has released full technical details as well as new photos and a detailed video of its smallest EV, the Twingo Electric. Previewed in February, the Twingo Electric has recently been tested by the media as sales have started in France and other European markets (not the UK). Priced from € 21,350 (US$ 25,075) in its home market, the Twingo Electric features Renault’s R80 motor rated at 81 HP and 160 Nm of torque.
As with ICE-powered Twingo models, the
rear axle-mounted motor drives the rear wheels, though it can only push the
city car to a top speed of 135 km/h to preserve the battery. The zero
to 100 km/h time is an equally unimpressive 12.9 seconds.
Speaking of the battery, the Twingo
Electric gets a small 22 kWh pack which enables a driving range of up to 190 km in the Full WLTP cycle and up to 270 km in the WTLP City
cycle. There’s also an ‘Eco’ mode that extends the range to around 225 km on mixed journeys by limiting acceleration and top speed on expressways
or motorways.
The Twingo Electric can be charged at
home, at work, or using alternating current (AC) power infrastructure up to 22
kW. Using the latter, the battery gains enough juice in 30 minutes to cover 80
km. The electric city car also offers drivers the choice of three
regenerative braking levels (B1, B2, B3) selected via the gear lever. The most
advanced configuration transforms the small EV into a one-pedal car, reducing
the need for braking and enhancing driving comfort in the city.
The Renault Twingo Electric is available
in three trim levels (Life, Zen and Intens), as well as a range-topping Vibes
Limited Edition. The latter starts at € 26,450 (US$ 31,100) in France and features
unique styling tweaks including the new Valencia Orange paint, white accents on
the grille, 16-inch white diamond alloy wheels with orange lug nuts, and
stripes on the rear doors.
Inside, the Twingo Electric Vibes sports
colored stripes on the dash and the unique seats, dedicated door sills, overlay
floor mats and an anodized orange gear selector base.
