The Renault Twingo comes as an electric car

Electromobility is sometimes very fundamentally discussed, but there are countless variants. From e-bikes to all-electric super sports cars. They show that if the application makes sense, the question does not arise whether electricity will ever catch on. The electric Renault Twingo also proves: It’s not about the principle, but about the occasion. If the electric drive fits the concept of the car, it will find its customers. With or without funding. Renault builds the all-electric Renault Twingo ZE for the bustle in city traffic. Such as the Twingo with combustion engine, which has been available since 2014, and the Smart Forfour, which has been available since 2017, with the same platform and similar electrical technology. It also rolls off the assembly line in Renault’s Twingo plant.

Renault does not reveal much about the electricity Twingo. But it should find a grateful gap between its technical relatives: it is better suited for urban areas than the gasoline-powered Twingo. It’s cleaner locally anyway. And it should be superior to the four-door electric smart outside the city limits.

Twingo ZE: Renault’s second mass-produced electric vehicle will arrive at the end of 2020

The Twingo ZE will be on the market at the end of 2020 and will be Renault’s second mass-produced e-car for private customers. Because the largest e-models Master ZE and Kangoo ZE are in the commercial vehicle segment. The smaller, buggy-like Twizy is great fun, but only moderately practical.

The new small electric car, on the other hand, comes very close to the successful Zoe. The Twingo ZE is about 40 centimeters apart from the recently launched small car. At 3.62 meters, it is exactly as long as the Twingo with a combustion engine. With 240 to 980 liters, it loads just as much as the well-known version and it looks exactly the same. In addition to the lettering, only blue elements on the radiator grille, flank and wheel hub cover reveal the Stromer.

Drive and performance of the electric Twingo

The Twingo III platform developed together with Daimler was designed for e-mobility from the start. The 82 PS (60 kW) electric motor thus replaces the 0.9-liter petrol engine in its usual place: right at the back, under the trunk floor. Renault’s third Twingo and its sister model Smart Forfour have been one of the few models with a rear engine and powered rear axle since 2014. It’s not about sportiness or maximum traction, but about a short front and a minimal turning circle. On the front axle, more steering angle is simply possible if the engineers don’t have to think about the limited possibilities of the drive shaft joints. The small e-car turns at 8.75 meters.

The electric motor sends 160 Newton meters into the input gearbox. Of the combustion engine variants, only the Twingo GT sports model has more torque. The electric motor delivers its power largely independently of the speed. The three-cylinder turbo gasoline engines with 65 hp and above tend to offer advantages beyond the city limits: with a top speed of 135 km / h, the electric Twingo is the slowest model in the series. As a gift, this microcar fits best in urban spaces anyway.

Range: Larger battery, up to 250 kilometers in the city

Recuperation simply works better in the city. When rolling and braking moderately, the system directs energy back into the 21 kWh battery. The driver determines the extent: In B mode for energy recovery, there are three drive programs. Renault promises “one-pedal driving” for the highest level. So strong recuperation forces that taking the accelerator away can replace stepping on the brakes in many situations.

That and a lower average speed explain Renault’s range forecasts. The Twingo ZE should cover up to 230 kilometers (all WLTP values) with one charge in the city. The French give the classic combined range of 180 kilometers. In eco mode, the value should increase to 215 kilometers. Then the Twingo ZE limits performance and top speed. The data sheet comparison suggests: If you occasionally drive beyond the city limits or manage to connect to the power supply less often, the Twingo is better off than the Smart EQ Forfour. Because Daimler’s version is just as powerful (82 PS, 60 KW), albeit slightly slower (130 km / h), but has a smaller battery. The Smart Forfour has a combined range of 155 km with 17.6 kWh battery capacity.

Charging options for the E-Twingo

At the charging station are Twingo ZE and Smart Forfour electric basically equal. Both small electric cars charge three-phase at 22 kW stations. There is no CCS plug with an additional connection for direct current in either case. Means: Charging works at the wallbox, at public charging points and at the household socket. You can save yourself the search for fast charging stations. At 22 kW connections, the Twingo ZE should draw electricity for around 80 kilometers in 30 minutes.

Renault Twingo ZE: prices and market launch

Renault does not go into the charging time more precisely for the time being. We expect exact times and initial information on the price at the official presentation at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2020. The price of the sister model allows for an initial orientation: The Smart EQ Forfour costs from 22,600 euros (excluding electric subsidies). It is not unlikely that the minimum price for the Renault Twingo ZE will be significantly lower. That is when the French offer a rental model for the battery. There is this option with the larger Zoe. Currently around 90 percent of Zoe buyers only lend the battery.

Renault Twingo ZE (2020): First technical data