Renault Revives the Twingo as a Budget EV to Rival Low-Cost Chinese Cars

A Classic Name Returns as an Affordable Urban EV

Renault has officially unveiled the Twingo E-Tech, an all-new electric city car that revives the charm of the original 1992 Twingo. With a starting price below €20,000 ($23,000), Renault aims to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience while competing directly with China’s low-cost EVs such as the BYD Seagull and Leapmotor T03.

The French automaker hopes that a mix of nostalgia, practicality, and affordability will draw European buyers toward local brands rather than imported budget options. Production will begin in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, with first deliveries planned for early 2026.

Design: Retro Looks, Modern Practicality

The new Twingo stays faithful to the spirit of the 1990s original, keeping its friendly silhouette and signature round headlights. Subtle retro touches, such as the three air vents on the hood and compact proportions, echo the charm of its predecessor while adapting to modern safety and efficiency standards.

Renault has opted for a four-door layout this time, giving the car far better everyday usability. The rear seats can slide individually by up to 17 cm, allowing passengers to choose between extra legroom or more cargo space. Luggage capacity stands at 360 liters (12.7 cu-ft), expanding to 1,000 liters (35 cu-ft) when the seats are folded down.

Inside, the cabin combines simple materials with colorful accents, bringing life to an otherwise minimalist interior. While cost-saving choices are evident, Renault has maintained a cheerful personality through bright floor mats, dashboard inserts, and door trims.

Battery and Efficiency

The Twingo E-Tech uses a 27.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 163 miles (262 km). Renault says the choice of LFP chemistry helps cut battery costs by around 20%, even though it sacrifices some energy density compared to nickel-rich cells.

Efficiency is impressive, with the Twingo delivering around 6 miles per kWh, making it one of the most economical EVs in its class.

Charging speeds are modest but practical for urban use:

• DC fast charging peaks at 50 kW, allowing a 10–80% top-up in about 30 minutes.

• AC charging at 11 kW takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes for a full charge.

• The car also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, supplying up to 3.7 kW to external devices.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Twingo E-Tech features an 80-hp (60-kW) electric motor producing 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque. The 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint takes a relaxed 12.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 81 mph (130 km/h) — just enough for European highway driving.

Despite modest power, Renault promises an enjoyable driving experience thanks to the car’s light 1,200-kg (2,645-lb) weight and the agile platform shared with the Renault 5 E-Tech. While it lacks the more advanced rear suspension of the R5, its compact footprint and low center of gravity should make it fun in city corners.

Market Strategy and Future Outlook

The Twingo E-Tech marks Renault’s bold step to defend Europe’s small-car segment from the wave of inexpensive EVs arriving from China. By focusing on affordable pricing, European assembly, and brand heritage, Renault is betting on emotional appeal and local trust.

A Dacia-branded sibling model is also in development, expected to start at €18,000 ($20,700). Together, these vehicles will form Renault Group’s front line in the low-cost EV battle — a segment increasingly crucial for achieving the company’s electrification goals.

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