| Renault Twizy | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault |
| Also called | Nissan New Mobility Concept (Japan) |
| Production | April 2012 – September 2023[1] |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | François Leboine, Eduardo Lana[3] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Microcarquadricycle Kei car (Japan) |
| Body style | 2-doorquadricycle |
| Layout | Rear-engine,rear-wheel-drive |
| Doors | Scissor |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | ISKRA asynchronous motor |
| Transmission | Single gear |
| Battery | 6.1 kWhlithium-ion battery |
| Electric range | 90 km (56 mi) (NEDC) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,686 mm (66.4 in) |
| Length | 2,338 mm (92.0 in) |
| Width | 1,234 mm (48.6 in) |
| Height | 1,454 mm (57.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 450 kg (992 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mobilize Duo (Europe) |
TheRenault Twizy is a two-seatelectricmicrocar designed and marketed byRenault. It is classified in Europe as either alight orheavy quadricycle depending on the output power, which is either 4 kW (5.4 hp) for the 45 model or 13 kW (17 hp) for the 80 model, both names reflecting its top speed in km/h. Originally manufactured inValladolid, Spain,[4][5] production was moved toBusan inSouth Korea in March 2019 to meet increased demand in Asia.[6] In July 2023 it was announced that production of the Twizy was to end in September 2023; it is to be replaced by the newMobilize Duo.[7]
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The Twizy debuted as aconcept car at the2009 Frankfurt Motor Show[8] and was designed by Françoise Leboinne and Luciano Bove. In November 2010,Nissan announced a rebadged variant to the Twizy, called theNew Mobility Concept, orNMC. It was also displayed as a concept withRenault Samsung badging at the 2011Seoul Motor Show,[9] although it was branded as a Renault in South Korea for production. In May 2011, Renault announced they would produce the Twizy and began taking reservations.
In March 2012, the Twizy was released to the French market, followed a month later by several other European countries.[10] Available in three models, the Twizy sales price does not include the battery pack, which is leased for a monthly fee that includes roadside assistance and a battery replacement guarantee.[11][12] In 2020, the Twizy became available as a direct purchase in the UK, no longer requiring the battery rental.[13]
The Twizy was the top-sellingplug-in electric vehicle in Europe during 2012.[14] The milestone of 15,000 Twizys sold worldwide was achieved in April 2015.[15] Global cumulative sales totaled 29,118 units through December 2019, with Europe as its main market.[16]
The Twizy is an ultra-compact vehicle, with a length of 2.32 metres (7 ft 7 in), a width of 1.19 metres (3 ft 11 in) and a height of 1.46 metres (4 ft 9 in).
The vehicle's frame and body offer occupants extra protection with its deformable structure, while the outboard position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located either side of the chassis provide protection in case of a side impact. The safety retention systems include a driver's airbag, a four-point safety belt at the front and a three-point one at the rear.
The Twizy may be winterized withwinter tires and adding flexi side windows to enclose the cabin. Heating would be provided by plugging inelectric blankets to keep the driver warm.[17]
The Twizy model iselectric, and it therefore is part of Renault'sZero Emissions program.
The Twizy range starts with thelight quadricycle-classedUrban 45 that was originally priced at€6,990 in Europe with a monthly battery lease charge of€50.[18] The price has since been raised to around €10,300 exc. VAT but now includes the battery.[19] It has a motor power of 4 kW (5 hp), a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) and can thus be driven in most European countries by drivers from 14 years old with a special driving licence (France, Italy, Spain) or with a moped licence (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Slovenia).[20]
Theheavy quadricycle-classedUrban 80 model features a 13 kW (17 hp) electric motor and can drive up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
TheColour model is a colourful and 'fun' Twizy available for both the 45 and 80 trims.[citation needed]
TheTechnic model brings additional design elements while sharing the technical features with the Urban. It is available for both the 45 and 80 trims.[citation needed]
In June 2013, Renault announced the introduction of the Twizy Cargo, a model designed for hauling goods. The space destined for the seat of the second passenger was replaced with a cargo box with a volume of 180 L (6.4 cu ft) and maximum weight capacity of 75 kg (165 lb).[21][22]
The Cargo 45 has 4 kW (5 hp) of power and top speed is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph).The car only has one seat and there is a larger space behind the driver to store goods.[21]
The Cargo 80 delivers a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
A rebadged version of the Twizy was launched in Japan as theNissan New Mobility Concept (NMC). The electric vehicle was deployed inYokohama on 11 October 2013 for service on a one-waycarsharing program called "Choimobi Yokohama" (Choimobi means "easy mobility" in Japanese). During its first month on the market, over 2700 customers signed up for the service.[23][24] A total of 45 units were registered through the end of October 2013.[25] The NMC is classified as akei car due to the car's dimensions and as such is equipped with yellow license plates.
The Nissan-badged version was also used byScoot, an Americanscooter sharing company, as a pilot for car-sharing operation inSan Francisco.[26]
Following the footsteps ofRenault Espace F1, in April 2013,Renault Sport exhibited the Twizy F1, a concept version of the car that featuredFormula One technologies such asKERS. The KERS system and an upgraded electric motor boosted the car's power to 72 kW (97 hp), allowing to accelerate at comparable times with theRenault Sport Mégane R.S. 265 and reaching speeds up to 109 km/h (68 mph). The car is equipped with various open-wheel aerodynamic and other racing parts, including tyres from aFormula Renault 2.0 car and steering wheel from aFormula Renault 3.5 car.[27]
The Twizy Delivery Concept was developed from the VELUD project withÉcole d'ingénieurs généralistes La Rochelle,Airparif, La Petite Reine Groupe Stars Service and the City of Paris for last-mile deliveries beginning in 2014. It consisted of a Twizy with shortened rear bodywork and an additional 2-wheeled trailer-like module for carrying containers sizing up to 1 cubic metre (35 cu ft), forming a six-wheeled box-truck like vehicle. It was used in experimental test phases in Paris.[28]
The 6.1 kWh (22 MJ)lithium-ion battery is located underneath the front seat. Both motor variants carry the same weight of 474 kg (1,045 lb),[29] including batteries of 100 kg (220 lb). Therange ishomologated at 100 km (62 mi). In real conditions, Renault announces around 80 km (50 mi). At high speed and no eco-driving the Twizy's range is about 50 km (31 mi).
The battery can be charged with an extendable spiral cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle.The integrated charger is compatible with roadside battery charging facilities as well as the standard 220-240 V 10 A household electrical supply. Charging an empty battery takes around three-and-a-half hours.
A planned Renault battery plant near Paris was delayed due to technical constraints. Construction will start in the second quarter of 2012[needs update] and production of batteries is expected to begin in 2014 or 2015.[needs update] In the meantime Renault intends to buy batteries for its EV range from a joint venture betweenNissan andNEC as well asLG Chem of South Korea.[30]
Twizy is only supplied withLG Chem modules. Batteries are assembled in Renault Valladolid plant.
The Twizy 80 in its standard European market configuration received two stars in theEuro NCAP Quadricycle Ratings in 2014.[31]
Since its market launch in March 2012, global sales reached 9,020 units through the end of 2012,[32] of which, 9,015 units were sold in Europe,[32] making the Twizy the best-sellingplug-in electric vehicle in the European market that year.[14] In France, a total of 1,551 units were registered through June 2012, including 1,212 Twizy 80s and 339 Twizy 45s, representing a market share of 89% in theheavy quadricycle segment, and a market share of 28.5% among all categories ofelectric vehicles sold in France during the first half of 2012, surpassing theBolloré Bluecar, the top selling highway-capable all-electric car during this time period.[33]
Global sales fell 66.4% in 2013 from 2012, with 3,025 units delivered.[34] Cumulative sales reached 14,160 units through October 2014.[35] As of October 2014[update], the best-selling markets were Germany with 3,728 units and France with 3,276 units, followed by Italy with 2,265 units, Spain with 1,292, andBenelux with 1,137 units delivered since 2011.[34] The milestone of 15,000 Twizys sold worldwide was achieved in April 2015.[15]
In 2016, Renault introduced the Twizy toEcuador, along with theRenault Kangoo, expecting to import at least 150 to 200 units between the two models. The carmaker teamed with a shopping centre inCumbayá (a suburb ofQuito) and the Ecuadorean Production Ministry to hold a draw for two examples in an introductory campaign. The winners received their cars on 17 February. All subsequent units are scheduled to arrive in-country from June, 2016, and will retail from US$14,990.[36] Sales inLatin America totaled 305 units through May 2016, with Colombia as the regional market leader with 252 units, followed by Brazil with 34 units.[37] The Renault Twizy 40 was certified byTransport Canada in March 2016, and was scheduled to be released on the Canadian market by mid-2016.[38]
As of May 2016[update], Twizy sales led by Germany with 4,404 units, followed by France with 4,048, Italy with 2,696, Spain with 1,551, Benelux with 1,355, and Switzerland with 1,141.[37] Until December 2016, a total of 18,592 units had been sold in Europe, representing 96.1% of global sales.[39] Global sales since inception totaled 29,118 units through December 2019.[16]
In 2020, Renault India said they were considering offering a stripped-down version of the Twizy Cargo for the Indian market.[40]
Renault tested acarsharing program called Twizy Way inSaint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, beginning in late-June 2012. During the testing phase, the program operated with a fleet of 50 Renault Twizys distributed over a pilot area covering around 27 km2 (10 sq mi), and around 200 were allowed to sign up for testing.[11] Twizy Way opened the service to the general public in December 2012.[41]
In 2015, theScootscooter sharing company offered rides withinSan Francisco in the "Scoot Quad", a Twizy with Nissan badging.[26]
Exclusive Italian model LIMITED EDITION design by the italian architectGiansandro Schina, made in only 7 units
In September 2014, the Chinese company Zhejiang Litong New Energy Automobile Corporation launched theRayttle E28 which greatly resembles the Twizy in outside appearance, size and claimed performance.[42]
The Twizy appears in large numbers in the filmReady Player One bySteven Spielberg, released in 2018.[43]
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Renault started selling the Twizy EV in France in March and debut sales of the model in the UK in April.
Electro mobility helps respect the environment, reduce acoustic pollution, and contributes to preserving our cultural heritage, damaged everyday by car exhaust gases... With 20% of vehicles using electric power, particulate concentration in the city air could be reduced by up to 30%, and NO2 concentration by 45%.
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