Renault Twizy

Renault
Industry	Automotive
Founded	February 25, 1899; 127 years ago in France
Headquarters	France
Products	Automobiles, electric vehicles
Website	www.renault.com

The Renault Twizy is a compact two-seat electric microcar developed and sold by Renault. Depending on its power output, it is categorized in Europe as either a light or heavy quadricycle— the 45 version and the 80 version respectively—corresponding to their maximum speeds in km/h. Production initially took place in Valladolid, Spain, but was relocated to Busan, South Korea, in March 2019 to accommodate growing demand in the Asian market. In July 2023, Renault revealed plans to discontinue the Twizy by September 2023, with the new Mobilize Duo set to replace it.

The Twizy was first unveiled as a concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, crafted by designers Françoise Leboinne and Luciano Bove. Nissan launched a rebranded model called the New Mobility Concept (NMC) in November 2010. Additionally, the vehicle appeared with Renault Samsung branding at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show and was produced under the Renault name for the South Korean market. Reservations began in May 2011.

The commercial rollout commenced in France in March 2012 and shortly afterward expanded throughout Europe. Available in three variants, the Twizy’s purchase price originally excluded the battery pack, which was leased monthly and included roadside assistance plus battery replacement guarantees. By 2020, customers in the UK had the option to buy the battery outright, removing the need for rental agreements.

In 2012, the Twizy achieved the status of Europe’s best-selling plug-in electric vehicle. Global sales hit 15,000 units by April 2015, and cumulative worldwide deliveries reached 29,118 units by December 2019, with Europe remaining its main market.

Design and Safety

This ultra-compact vehicle measures in length, in width, and in height.

Its structural design incorporates a deformable frame to protect occupants, complemented by outboard wheel placement and lateral chassis beams that improve side-impact resistance. Safety equipment includes a driver airbag, a four-point seatbelt system at the front, and a three-point belt for the rear passenger.

For colder climates, winterization options include specialized tires and flexible side windows that enclose the cabin fully; heating is supplied through plug-in electric blankets.

Variants

The Twizy belongs to Renault’s Zero Emissions (Z.E.) lineup of all-electric vehicles.

Twizy Urban 45

The Urban 45 serves as the entry-level model classified as a light quadricycle. Initially priced at €6,990 across Europe with a €50 monthly fee for battery leasing, its current cost is around €10,300 excluding VAT with battery ownership included. Powered by a 4 kW motor, it reaches a maximum speed of 45 km/h and can be legally driven from age 14 under certain European licensing regulations.

Twizy Urban 80

The Urban 80 variant is classified as a heavy quadricycle and is equipped with a 13 kW motor capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h.

Twizy Colour and Technic

The Colour edition presents a lively and playful aesthetic available for both the 45 and 80 models.

The Technic trim enhances styling elements while retaining all technical specifications of the Urban series; it is offered for both power options.

Twizy Cargo

In June 2013, Renault launched the Twizy Cargo version designed specifically for transporting goods by replacing the rear passenger seat with a cargo compartment capable of holding up to .

The Cargo 45 model delivers power suited for urban delivery tasks with a top speed capped at , featuring one seat and increased rear storage space. The Cargo 80 variant allows for higher speeds up to .

Nissan NMC

In Japan, the Twizy was rebranded as the Nissan New Mobility Concept (NMC) and debuted in Yokohama on 11 October 2013 within the framework of the "Choimobi Yokohama" one-way carsharing initiative. During its initial month, more than 2,700 users signed up, with 45 units officially registered by the end of October. Due to its compact size, it is categorized as a kei car and features yellow license plates.

The Nissan NMC was also trialed by the American scooter-sharing company Scoot Networks in San Francisco, as part of efforts to explore innovative urban mobility options.

Twizy F1

In April 2013, Renault Sport unveiled the Twizy F1, a concept vehicle incorporating Formula One technologies such as the KERS. This technology, combined with an upgraded electric motor, boosted output to , allowing acceleration on par with the Renault Sport Mégane R.S. 265 and achieving top speeds of . The design included open-wheel aerodynamic features, racing tires sourced from a Formula Renault 2.0 car, and a steering wheel borrowed from a Formula Renault 3.5 vehicle.

Twizy Delivery Concept

Originating from the VELUD project in collaboration with partners like École d'ingénieurs généralistes La Rochelle and the City of Paris, the Twizy Delivery Concept was developed for last-mile delivery solutions starting in 2014. This adaptation combined a Twizy with a shortened rear body and a two-wheeled trailer capable of carrying up to , resulting in a six-wheeled vehicle optimized for urban freight transport. The concept underwent pilot testing within Paris.

Battery

The Twizy operates using a lithium-ion battery positioned under the front seat. Both motor versions have a total weight of , which includes batteries weighing . The officially certified range stands at , while practical estimates suggest around and approximately at higher speeds without adopting eco-driving techniques.

Charging is facilitated by a retractable spiral cable stored beneath a front flap, compatible with public charging stations and standard 220-240 V domestic power outlets. A full recharge requires roughly three and a half hours.

Renault's planned battery manufacturing facility near Paris experienced delays, pushing construction back to 2012 with production anticipated between 2014 and 2015. In the interim, Renault procures batteries through a joint venture between Nissan and NEC, as well as from South Korea's LG Chem. Currently, LG Chem exclusively supplies batteries for the Twizy, which are assembled at Renault’s Valladolid factory.

Safety

The Twizy 80 model, tested under standard European configurations, earned two stars in the 2014 Euro NCAP Quadricycle Ratings.

Sales

Since its market introduction in March 2012, global sales reached 9,020 units by year-end 2012, with nearly all—9,015—sold across Europe. This made the Twizy Europe's top-selling plug-in electric vehicle that year. In France alone, registrations totaled 1,551 through June 2012, securing an 89% share within the heavy quadricycle category and capturing 28.5% of all electric vehicle sales during that timeframe, outperforming competitors such as the Bolloré Bluecar.

Sales worldwide declined by 66.4% in 2013 to 3,025 units. By October 2014, cumulative sales had reached 14,160 units. Key markets since launch in 2011 included Germany (3,728 units), France (3,276), Italy (2,265), Spain (1,292), and Benelux (1,137). The global sales milestone of 15,000 Twizys was achieved in April 2015.

In 2016, Renault introduced the Twizy to Ecuador alongside the Renault Kangoo model, aiming for imports between 150 and 200 units. A promotional campaign awarded two vehicles through a raffle held in Cumbayá near Quito. Additional units were planned for retail starting at US$14,990 from June that year. Latin American sales totaled 305 units by May 2016, led by Colombia (252 units) and Brazil (34). The Twizy 40 received certification from Transport Canada in March 2016 with plans for Canadian market entry mid-year.

As of May 2016, Germany remained the largest market with sales reaching 4,404 units; France followed closely with 4,048 units sold. Italy accounted for 2,696 units; Spain had sold 1,551; Benelux recorded 1,355; and Switzerland reached 1,141 units. By December 2016, Europe represented approximately 18,592 units sold—96.1% of total worldwide sales. Total global deliveries stood at 29,118 units by December 2019.

In India during 2020, Renault considered launching a simplified Twizy Cargo version specifically designed for delivery services within that market.

Carsharing initiatives

In June 2012, Renault introduced a carsharing trial named Twizy Way in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. The pilot program deployed a fleet of 50 Renault Twizys spanning an area of 27 square kilometers, engaging approximately 200 participants during the evaluation phase. The service became publicly accessible in December 2012.

By 2015, Scoot Networks facilitated rides in San Francisco utilizing the "Scoot Quad," a Twizy variant branded by Nissan.

Italian Limited Edition

An exclusive Italian model crafted by architect Giansandro Schina was produced in a very limited run of only seven units, focusing on uniqueness and innovative design.

Chinese Replica

In September 2014, Zhejiang Litong New Energy Automobile Corporation launched the Rayttle E28, a vehicle bearing strong resemblance to the Twizy in terms of dimensions, styling, and performance characteristics.

Cultural Presence

The Twizy gained notable exposure through its appearance in Steven Spielberg's 2018 motion picture Ready Player One, underscoring its cultural significance.

External links

(UK)