Renault said its tiny Twizy electric vehicle will be priced in Europe from $9,979, with the first customer deliveries slated for late this year. Unveiled as a concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Twizy seats driver and passenger in tandem, much like a scooter, but features four wheels, a steering wheel, pedals and enclosed bodywork to protect occupants from the elements.
Renault is offering an entry-level Twizy 45, so called because it features a 5-horsepower electric motor with top speed limited to 45 km/h — about 28 miles per hour — so that it can be driven without a license in some European countries. When the Twizy EV goes on sale in March of next year, it will be one of the cheapest electric vehicles available for sale in Europe, starting at just €6,990 (that's only $10,400 U.S. at today's exchange rate).
True, that price doesn't include the battery pack, but that can be leased for just €45 ($67) a month. The diminutive EV sits somewhere in-between a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) and a full-fledged, highway-capable machine. With a 20-horsepower electric motor capable of propelling it up to 47 miles per hour and a range of 60 miles, the Twizy should be perfect for many cities and towns in Europe. Recently, Auto car UK got the chance to drive a prototype and came away rather impressed. They really liked the instant acceleration provided by the motor that can churn out 42 pound-feet of torque.
Test drive of the electric Renault Twizy - Video From YouTube:
That doesn't sound like much on paper, but when you consider the Twizy only weighs 450 kg (992 lbs), it's not half bad. With most of the weight low on the chassis, the Twizy "swoops around corners" but with a fair bit of under steer. You can read the full review here or watch the video review here on Auto car’s UK website. Thanks to Dan S. for the tip!
Renault is offering an entry-level Twizy 45, so called because it features a 5-horsepower electric motor with top speed limited to 45 km/h — about 28 miles per hour — so that it can be driven without a license in some European countries. When the Twizy EV goes on sale in March of next year, it will be one of the cheapest electric vehicles available for sale in Europe, starting at just €6,990 (that's only $10,400 U.S. at today's exchange rate).
Photos:
True, that price doesn't include the battery pack, but that can be leased for just €45 ($67) a month. The diminutive EV sits somewhere in-between a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) and a full-fledged, highway-capable machine. With a 20-horsepower electric motor capable of propelling it up to 47 miles per hour and a range of 60 miles, the Twizy should be perfect for many cities and towns in Europe. Recently, Auto car UK got the chance to drive a prototype and came away rather impressed. They really liked the instant acceleration provided by the motor that can churn out 42 pound-feet of torque.
Test drive of the electric Renault Twizy - Video From YouTube:
That doesn't sound like much on paper, but when you consider the Twizy only weighs 450 kg (992 lbs), it's not half bad. With most of the weight low on the chassis, the Twizy "swoops around corners" but with a fair bit of under steer. You can read the full review here or watch the video review here on Auto car’s UK website. Thanks to Dan S. for the tip!
No comments :
Post a Comment