- Renault Twizy debuted at the Paris auto show.
- The 91-inch-long electric Twizy isn't much larger than a scooter.
- It's powered by a 15-kW electric motor and has a top speed of 47 mph.
PARIS — Renault said its Twizy electric vehicle will go on sale across Europe late next year, with a price "similar to that of a three-wheeled scooter." It debuted at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.
The Twizy, part of Renault's ZE (for "zero emissions") portfolio of electric vehicles, isn't much larger than a scooter, at 91 inches long and weighing just under 1,000 pounds. It was introduced 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.
The vehicle is powered by a 15-kW electric motor and has a top speed of 47 mph and a range of 60 miles between charges. It features an integrated charger that enables the battery pack to be charged from roadside outlets. On household current, the Twizy can be fully recharged in 3.5 hours.
The Twizy goes into production next year at Renault's plant in Valladolid, Spain. European customers can place pre-orders online.
Inside Line says: Younger customers will also get the chance to customize their vehicles with a variety of graphic design packages. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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delraylocal says:
07:25 AM, 10/04/2010
This thing looks pretty cool.
I also dig the fact that it charges in 3.5 hours from standard outlet and does 47 MPH.
This would be perfect where I live.
The people in my area drive "hooked up"golfcarts around. They are alot slower and even though they install seatbelts its still a flimsy golfcart, where as this thing looks alot more sturdy.
93aero says:
03:59 PM, 10/03/2010
Cant stand that huge wheelchair thing from honda or the unicycle dealio. 4 wheels are atleast better to look at. This is probably the best done (overall) EV thing in a while, and as long as your not driving off of any cliffs, your better off then those silly segway owners.
fortstring says:
08:38 PM, 10/01/2010
"Just another in a long line of stupid ideas that'll never turn into reality."
Read carefully (or just read the article PERIOD) and you'll see that it's going into production.
felonious says:
04:15 PM, 10/01/2010
Sorry, but that isn't redefining anything. These kooky electric "people movers" have been coming out of auto shows for years now. Just another in a long line of stupid ideas that'll never turn into reality.