The development of the current Renault Twingo has already taken into account the arrival of a fully electric version. Although technical twin brother Smart Forfour has been available as an EV since 2017, the Twingo can only be plugged in in its final phase of life. This is the Renault Twingo Z.E.
The Twingo Z.E. is a new and fully electric version of the Twingo. Contrary to what was the case with the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo, the arrival of an electric variant does not mean that the petrol engines are cut from the range. This one. comes to strengthen the Twingo range and, strikingly enough, does not use the exact same powertrain as the Smart Forfour EQ.
Whereas the electric Forfour battery pack has a capacity of 17.6 kWh, the Twingo Z.E. a longer electric breath with its 22 kWh battery pack. That package has the same capacity as the Zoe had in its early years. According to Renault you have to use the Twingo Z.E. Being able to cover 180 kilometers electrically (WLTP). Anyone driving in Eco mode must be able to score a radius of 215 kilometers on one load.
Although the battery pack is different from that of the electric Smart Forfour, the electric motor is not. That unit also supplies the ones in the Twingo Z.E. namely 82 hp and 160 Nm of torque. With this you zoom in 4.2 seconds to a speed of 50 km / h. For the sprint to a speed of 100 km / h you have to count on about 12 counts. The top speed is 135 km / h. The maximum load capacity is 22 kW.
The electric motor, which drives the rear wheels, is located at the rear under the loading floor where the combustion engine is normally located. The luggage space with its capacity of 240 liters is therefore equal to that of the Twingo with gasoline engine.
A series of subtle ZE badges, including the doorpost and the rear of the tailgate, together with a blue finish in the grille and a blue outline of the hub caps in the wheels, are the only optical clues that betray a buzzing Twingo next to you stand. In the interior, apart from a difference with the regular Twingo, a Z.E. print on the selector lever of ‘the transmission’ is noticeable. With that selector lever you can, among other things, select three different ‘strengths’ of regenerative brakes. The navigation system not only makes it easy to read the range of the car, it also shows where you can find charging points on your route.
The Twingo Z.E. will be on the Dutch market this year. Prices are not there yet. It is also not entirely clear whether you can purchase the Twingo including battery package or whether the battery package must be leased or whether both constructions are possible.