Renault has set its sights on an electrifying future, with the iconic Twingo making a comeback as an electric vehicle (EV) by 2026. Positioned as Renault’s entry-level model for its upcoming European EV lineup, which will feature up to seven electric vehicles, this exciting revelation emerged at the Capital Markets Day event for Renault Group’s newly established Ampere EV spin-off firm.
Twingo EV’s Arrival and Affordable Ambitions: The Twingo EV is slated to hit the market in 2026, representing Renault’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Luca de Meo, the head of Renault Group, hailed the Twingo as a “silver bullet for sustainability mobility” and a pivotal element in Renault’s pursuit of an affordable EV. Emphasizing its European roots, de Meo promised that the Twingo EV would compete on price with its Chinese counterparts, potentially through collaboration with an external partner for development.
Cost-Effective and Nostalgic Design: De Meo projected that the Twingo EV’s production cost would be 50 percent lower than that of a new C-segment SUV, attributing the cost efficiency to a software-driven platform requiring fewer components. Drawing inspiration from the original Twingo launched three decades ago, the new iteration follows the trend set by models like the Renault Mégane E-Tech and Renault Scenic E-Tech, embracing a retro name and styling elements.
Ampere: A New Chapter in Electric Vehicle Innovation: The Capital Markets Day event also marked the launch of Ampere, a standalone company within the Renault Group focused on designing, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing EVs in Europe. Ampere aims to achieve price parity between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, concentrating on B- and C-segment models utilizing two existing Renault Group EV platforms.
Software-Defined Vehicles for European Needs: Ampere’s strategic focus on ‘software-defined vehicles’ (SDV) aligns with European needs, emphasizing connectivity over autonomy. Luca de Meo expressed confidence that this approach would resonate with European consumers, offering a technology suite tailored to their preferences. Ampere plans to introduce Level 2+ autonomy, avoiding the risks associated with aggressive advancement in autonomous driving technology.
Expanding Portfolio and Global Collaborations: Beyond the Twingo EV, Ampere has ambitious plans, including the development and production of two EVs for Renault Group’s performance brand, Alpine, and the new Nissan Micra for its alliance partner. Ampere will also contribute to a new global C-segment electric SUV for third alliance partner Mitsubishi.
Global Perspectives on Renault’s EV Lineup: While the Twingo EV remains on the horizon, Renault has already introduced the Kwid EV in select markets, based on the Dacia Spring EV. The Kwid EV currently serves as Renault’s entry-level electric car in certain South American markets. As for India, there’s no confirmation of the Twingo EV’s arrival, but Renault-Nissan has hinted at a potential A-segment EV for the Indian market in the future.
