Update (January 14, 2025): ‘Interior’ section revised.
At the Paris Motor Show 2024, I spent time around the Renault Twingo E-Tech, a show car that previews the production model due in 2026, which promises democratization of EVs in Europe. Renault said at the show that the new all-electric Twingo will be priced below €20,000 (USD 21,176).
Design
Renault’s first Twingo, launched in 1992, was the blue-eyed boy of the European car market, thanks to its playful design and practicality. The Renault Twingo E-Tech electric prototype retains that spirit but is 21st-century-ready with its electric drivetrain and modern design. The production vehicle is being developed with help from an unnamed Chinese engineering company to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
The prototype’s small footprint and agile design are giveaways that the production model would be strictly for the urban environment, while its five-door egg-shaped body signifies that practicality for a small family is high up on Renault’s agenda.
What struck me first about the Twingo E-Tech prototype is its distinctive, rounded front, which is in contrast to its cousin, the Dacia Spring. The floating LED rings around the headlamps are a wink to the original Twingo’s quirky, wide-eyed look, giving it an unmistakably friendly and approachable character.
At the rear, I found the taillights follow the same playful design of the headlamps, and the Twingo lettering pasted across the tailgate reflect its heritage. The prototype’s minimalistic yet expressive design gave me a sense of familiarity, as I’m quite well versed with its predecessor from my travels in Europe.
Interior
The Twingo E-Tech Electric prototype features a modern interior with a 7-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and a suspended cylindrical dashboard. It includes storage spaces under the dashboard, front seats, and a flat space across the cabin.
The rear bench slides and folds in a 50/50 split, allowing for a flexible cargo space. Upholstery matches the exterior color, complemented by tinted cork flooring. Functional features include magnetic areas for rear passenger devices, elastic map pockets, and skateboard-inspired seat adjustment knobs.
The Twingo E-Tech prototype features a fixed glass roof that creates a sense of spaciousness, though we’ll have to see if this feature makes it to production, considering the strict cost targets. And, while on that topic, the Twingo E-Tech will be produced right here in Europe.
The dedication of Renault designers to making this vehicle a true voiture à vivre (car for living) is evident throughout the design of the Twingo E-Tech prototype, and it’s likely that the team is striving to ensure that nearly all these features make it into the production model!
Chinese collaboration
Ampere, Renault Group’s new company which designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets electric passenger cars under the core (Renault) brand, has been working on the production version of the Renault Twingo Electric.
Ampere leverages the Advanced China Development Center (ACDC) to speed up EV development, and this Chinese division collaborates closely with local companies. On April 2, 2024, Reuters reported that Ampere will shortly begin selecting suppliers, making prototypes and would also be involved in the new Twingo’s production.
According to an exclusive report Yicai published on October 31, 2024, Ampere has outsourced vehicle design to Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology, an independent automobile R&D company based in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Renault China has reached an agreement with CATL, and is recruiting experts for various automotive components like high-voltage battery systems, steering systems, and motors. These developments are likely related to the road-ready Renault Twingo E-Tech.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
