"This is the logical evolution of the Twingo," Frederic Clermont, Renault's global marketing manager for minicars and small cars, said at a test-drive event in October.
Studies have shown that minicar owners across Europe drive an average of 30 km (19 miles) a day, Renault said, so the Twingo Z.E.’s WLTP range of 190 km on a mixed cycle is enough for almost a week’s driving. The Twingo can travel 270 km in an urban cycle, Renault says.
Clermont said that Renault is confident there is a market for a Twingo that starts at 21,350 euros ($25,729), almost 10,000 euros more than the least-expensive gasoline-engine variant, which starts at 11,700 euros in France.
That is because EV incentives in France, Italy and several other European countries bring the price of the Twingo Z.E. to about 15,000 euros, and even less with government trade-in bonuses.
Renault says that 40 percent of gasoline-engine Twingo buyers opt for the two highest trim levels -- which start at about 15,000 euros and 16,000 euros, respectively, roughly the same as the electric version of the car including incentives.