New Renault Twizy Soon to be Released
14th February 2012
The Renault Twizy is the first fully electric vehicle to provide a genuine solution for urban mobility; its small size makes it look like a three-wheeled scooter and in the UK it will be classed as a quadricycle.
As with other models in the Z.E. range, Twizy customers will lease batteries separately, at a monthly cost of approx. £45 including taxes – this covers an annual distance of 4,500 miles. The Twizy will be available in March 2012.
In terms of running costs, Twizy owners will be able to save considerably compared to driving a combustion engine vehicle. Tax will be free, it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge and it will be able to take advantage of other electric vehicle incentives such as free parking in some London boroughs. Renault claim that total running costs will work out at 15% less than that of an average scooter.
The Twizy can be charged using all types of public and private charging points – a full recharge using a 13A domestic supply will take just 3.5 hours. Renault will supply the necessary adaptors and cables.
In everyday use, the range for a single charge can vary between 34 and 72 miles, depending on driving style, the weather, road surface and traffic flow, but the standardised urban cycle averages 60 miles.
To aid driver confidence and maximise range, the Twizy will be fitted with range-related displays. These will include a meter to show battery charge level, a digital 'econometer' showing instantaneous energy consumption and regenerative braking use, and an onboard computer displaying the remaining range.
The size and specification of the Twizy make it an ideal solution for urban driving – tests in Paris revealed that on average drivers save 25% on inner city journey times. It is particularly easy to park and has a turning circle of just 3.4 meters, which guarantees great agility and manoeuvrability. The vehicles bodywork acts as a safety cell – the deformable structure absorbs the energy of a crash and protects the occupants.
All in all, the new Twizy will be a perfect example of Renault's brand signature – 'Drive the Change'. The design is instantly recognisable as being modern and futuristic, and owning the vehicle will be an entirely new experience. Being 100 per cent electric, it is high on style, novel in its format and perfect for safe and secure in-town travel.
