Renault continues to ride the neo-retro trend by converting its popular models into an electric version. However, far from offering a simple retrofit, for the electric Twingo E-Tech it is a matter of relying on the modern Ampere Small platform, also used in the R5 E-tech and which is proving to be a real success.
©Renault_Renault Twingo electric
Renault is preparing the launch in 2026 of a particularly anticipated model: the new generation of the Twingo, which will be entirely electric and sold at a price of less than 20,000 euros.
This car intends to establish itself as one of the most affordable options on the electric vehicle market, while paying homage to the aesthetics of the original model, launched in 1992 and marketed until 2007.
The Twingo E-Tech Prototype, unveiled in November 2023, is a first vision of what this fourth generation of the famous city car will be and will be revealed for the first time at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.
A prototype that looks like the Twingo from the 90s
Clearly the prototype immediately evokes the original Twingo and is reminiscent of the R5 E-Tech, with design elements reminiscent of the 90s.
The characteristic round, frog-like headlights reinforce this resemblance, especially as the bodywork sports a bright green tone. The hood has three false air intakes, which have become charge indicators in this electric version, and the wheels, positioned at the ends of the chassis, are a nod to the first generation.
The prototype, although still only a model without a real interior, highlights interesting details. The optical groups, for example, concentrate the main lighting functions in a compact module located at the base of the headlights, while the LED arcs, which outline the contours, perform the functions of daytime running lights and perhaps turn signals.
The Twingo E-Tech measures approximately 3.75 meters in length, making it a generously sized vehicle for the A segment, with increased practicality thanks to its five doors.
A solid technical foundation: the AmpR Small platform
The Twingo E-Tech is based on the AmpR Small platform, also used by the Renault 5, a base which allows this city car to benefit from excellent road holding thanks to a wheelbase of 2.50 meters.
This prototype, although not yet a functional vehicle, gives a glimpse of the brand’s ambitions. Autonomy should be supported by the use of LFP (Lithium Ferrophosphate) batteries, which are known for their reliability and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion cells. Although few technical details have been shared at this stage, Renault promises an ultra-efficient vehicle, with consumption estimated at just 10 kWh/100 km. It will obviously be necessary to verify but for comparison, this level of consumption would be one of the lowest on the market.
An attractive price for a European model
Renault announces an entry price of less than 20,000 euros before government aid, if it still exists by then. In any case, the price would be one of the lowest on the market and would make it possible to compete with the future ë-C3, also planned in a version for less than €20,000. This aggressive strategy is made possible thanks to a partnership with a Chinese company to reduce production costs, while maintaining manufacturing in Europe, more precisely in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. The name of the partner has not yet been revealed.
Renault estimates that development of the Twingo E-Tech will take around two years, a shorter time frame than that of the Renault 5, which took three years to produce.
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