Renault's new Ampere firm to produce EVs for the brand
17 Nov 2023 | 3287 Views | By Autocar India News Desk
Renault has announced that the popular Twingo will make a comeback as an EV by 2026. The Twingo EV will be Renault's entry-level model for its future European line-up that will include as many as seven EVs. This detail was revealed at the Capital Markets Day event for Renault Group’s ...
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Renault has announced that the popular Twingo will make a comeback as an EV by 2026. The Twingo EV will be Renault's entry-level model for its future European line-up that will include as many as seven EVs. This detail was revealed at the Capital Markets Day event for Renault Group’s new Ampere EV spin-off firm.
Renault Group boss Luca de Meo described the new Twingo as a "silver bullet for sustainability mobility" and a key in the firm's quest for an affordable EV. It's due to arrive in 2026 and will be designed and engineered in Europe, with de Meo promising that it will match Chinese rivals in terms of price. He added that the brand could use an outside partner to develop it.
De Meo claimed the hatchback will cost 50 percent less to produce than a new C-segment SUV, due to an increased focus on a software-driven platform that will require fewer parts and materials.
He said that the new Twingo was a "car from the guts" of the Renault brand like the original was when it launched 30 years ago. It follows the Renault Mégane E-Tech, Renault Scenic E-Tech, 5 and 4 in using a retro name and styling elements.
So far, the Renault Group has given only a few outline details on the new Twingo, describing it as a “fit-for-purpose urban vehicle with no compromise”.
The event also saw the launch of Ampere, a new standalone company within the Renault Group. It will design, engineer, manufacture and market EVs in Europe – although models will be sold under the Renault brand.
Ampere will look to achieve price parity between EVs and ICE vehicles, and focus on B- and C-segment models using two existing Renault Group EV platforms.
Ampere will focus on developing 'software-defined vehicles' (SDV), which will require fewer mechanical parts as a result, allowing for substantial cost-savings. De Meo also hinted that Ampere's focus on the European market could help it win consumers over compared to Chinese machines that have technology and infotainment more suited to tech-hungry buyers in that market.
"Our SDV is based on European needs, and we know European customers will value connectivity needs. That's why we're not investing heavily in autonomy, we're aiming for Level 2+. We see the risk of pushing ahead in this field," he said.
Additionally, Ampere will develop and produce two EVs for the Renault Group's performance brand, Alpine, along with the new Nissan Micra for its alliance partner. It will also produce a new global C-segment electric SUV for third alliance partner Mitsubishi.
While the Twingo EV is still some time away, Renault already sells the Kwid EV in some markets, which is based on the Dacia Spring EV. The Kwid EV currently is the brand’s entry-level electric car for some South American markets.
As far as India goes, there is no news of the Twingo EV coming here. However, Renault-Nissan has hinted at an A-segment EV for our market in future.
Also see:
Sub-Rs 10 lakh Renault Kwid EV launch by 2025
Next-gen Nissan Micra previewed as 20-23 EV concept
Renault Kiger EV spotted at Pravaig plant