Renault Twizy

[o00scorpion00o]

I didn't think they would release it but they are in 2012!



20 hp 15 kw motor

you have to lease the battery with a 4500 mile limit per year allowed! madness!

With the Fluence the limit is 15000 kms a year, they are making sure no one discovers how long their batteries last!

I'm sure you could turn the odometer back with the right software like on normal cars ?

From Renault

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> renault.ie

The ultra-compact footprint of Renault Twizy (length: 2.32 metres / width: 1.19 metres / height: 1.46 metres) is ideally suited to city motoring. It will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2011 with a price tag beginning at €6,990 inclusive of taxes, depending on the fiscal measures available in each country.



Like for other Z.E. vehicles, Renault Twizy customers will lease the battery. The monthly subscription starts at €45 inclusive of taxes for an annual distance travelled of 7,500km, a figure which covers the vast majority of ordinary motorists' requirements.



Renault Twizy's running costs – insurance, maintenance and energy (battery lease and electricity for recharging) – are just as modest, working out at 15 percent lower than those of a three-wheeled scooter.
A resolutely modern design

Renault Twizy will clearly appeal to busy, carowning city dwellers looking for a second vehicle, as well as to younger drivers interested in a safe way to gain experience in traffic thanks to the availability of a version that will not require a driver's licence (depending on country).



Although its compact dimensions are likely to prompt comparisons with the world of scooters, Renault Twizy delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other.



Renault Twizy combines real character with a resolutely modern design that boasts sweeping lines, open bodywork, original gull wing doors and a full windscreen which extends over the top of the car to form a large glazed area, not to mention the model's original lighting signature.
Nimble and practical

Renault Twizy's enveloping body and side deflectors combine the enjoyment of open-air motoring with protection from the elements. Additional lower door panels are available to provide even more effective shielding against wind and rain.



The amount of in-car stowage space is ideally suited to the needs of owners travelling to and from work, or for light shopping. A 31-litre lockable cubby – ideal for a briefcase or limited shopping – is readily accessible underneath the rear seat. The capacity of this locker can easily be increased to 55 litres. There are also three litres of stowage space either side of the steering wheel.
2 versions available

The version of Renault Twizy which requires a driver's licence is powered by a 15kW (20hp) motor, while the version that doesn't require a licence (depending on country) comes with a 4kW (5hp) motor. The 7kWh lithium-ion battery is located underneath the front seat.



Renault Twizy's carefully honed weight – 450kg, including batteries (100kg) – is directly beneficial to its range which stands at 100km (combined cycle). Its battery is also particularly easy to charge thanks to an extendable spiral cable stored beneath a flap at the front of the vehicle.



Thanks to an integrated charger, this cable is also compatible with roadside battery charging facilities. An adapter permits this cable to be plugged into any 220V 10A household electrical supply. The battery fully charges in three-and-a-half hours.
Optimal safety

Renault Twizy's bodywork is far more visible in traffic to other road users. In the case of a head-on collision, both occupants are protected by a deformable structure, while the outboard position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located either side of the chassis provide protection should the vehicle be involved in a side-on impact. The safety retention systems include a driver's airbag, a four-point harness at the front and a three-point safety belt at the rear. Also, since Renault Twizy's occupants are protected and held in place, they are under no requirement to wear any sort of protective gear.



Thanks to its four-wheeled chassis and extremely low centre of gravity, Renault Twizy delivers a reassuringly stable ride, while disc brakes all-round ensure precise, efficient stopping power.

Renault Z.E.

Discover the website

renault-ze.com

[Lebowski]

I really like this thing and sincerely hope they'll be a big success. It reminds me of my youth
when there were lots of 2CV's and Beetles around. IMHO the Twizy has a cuteness factor which
puts it in the same league.

Would I spend 7000 euro on it ? No. The Twizy is open (no doors / side windows) and has
no heating / ventilation system making it unsuitable for bad/cold weather driving.

I think the battery leasing scheme is smart. It reduces the vehicle purchase price but
much much better, it allows for a battery swapping scheme. If you look at the Renault
website, they're gearing up for battery swapping stations. You drive up in your Renault
electric car, a robot will open the battery compartment and swap your empty battery
for a full one in less than 3 minutes without you needing to get out of the vehicle.

I am in no way affiliated with Renault by the way

[Jay64]

So if you have to buy the vehicle, but lease the battery, can you just tell them to piss of and keep their battery and put in your own pack? I guess one good aspect of leasing a battery is that you will get a fresh pack every year. I do spend more than $62 in gas per month, but then again, I also drive a lot more than 388 miles per month.

It definately doesn't have as much weather protection as a full car does, but it has a lot more protection than a motorcycle does. There are a lot of motorcycles that cost more than $9500. I personally would like to have the motorcycle instead, but there are a lot of people that definately wouldn't want the motorcycle, and they make just as much money as the people buying the bikes. I'm sure it will get some good sales. Especially in Europe, they have definately accepted these smaller cars. In America, the majority of people wouldn't even look twice at such a vehicle. (Maybe that is why so many people get run over on bikes, people don't look twice at them.)

[o00scorpion00o]

I really like this thing and sincerely hope they'll be a big success. It reminds me of my youth
when there were lots of 2CV's and Beetles around. IMHO the Twizy has a cuteness factor which
puts it in the same league.

Yes it is kinda cute I suppose!

Would I spend 7000 euro on it ? No. The Twizy is open (no doors / side windows) and has
no heating / ventilation system making it unsuitable for bad/cold weather driving.

Yeah I wonder why they never put in a heater and windows?

I think if electric cars were much better insulated they wouldn't need so much heat. For instance the spray foam type of insulation theta's becoming more common here is truly fantastic and something like that should be used in cars I think ?

I think the battery leasing scheme is smart. It reduces the vehicle purchase price but
much much better, it allows for a battery swapping scheme. If you look at the Renault
website, they're gearing up for battery swapping stations. You drive up in your Renault
electric car, a robot will open the battery compartment and swap your empty battery
for a full one in less than 3 minutes without you needing to get out of the vehicle.

Renault are not providing the battery swap stations and our electricity company decided it was in the "best interest of the Irish people" to not allow better place to have the monopoly, yeah right and they will have the monopoly. Anyway they convinced the government that they shouldn't operate here. So better place are never going to set up here which is a real shame!

Still Renault have restricted use of the Fluence to only 15,000kms per year which is way too low. They say they want to keep operating costs similar to a petrol or diesel car" Fine, but if the cost of electric vehicles is not a lot cheaper than normal cars to operate no one will buy them given the range restrictions!

As far as I'm aware the battery lease is per the lease of the car. normally 3 years. Though I would imagine most people would just buy it. And suffer the 45 Euros a month, the electricity will be peanuts anyway!

[Lessss]

Anyplace in Canada selling these?

[amberwolf]

In the USA, I think most people would look at it and see "Golf Cart", and dismiss it out of hand, without bothering to listen or look any further.

If they actually release it here, it'd need a heck of a marketing campaign to get going against that visual perception, and it would also have to have closeable lockable doors for most people. Lots of places, it would also have to have a heating system, and air conditioning, or it simply wouldn't get used.

There is a lot to fight against in the mindsets of people here, so I don't expect they'd even try sell it in the USA, not until marketing has changed what people expect from a car.

[o00scorpion00o]

In the USA, I think most people would look at it and see "Golf Cart", and dismiss it out of hand, without bothering to listen or look any further.

If they actually release it here, it'd need a heck of a marketing campaign to get going against that visual perception, and it would also have to have closeable lockable doors for most people. Lots of places, it would also have to have a heating system, and air conditioning, or it simply wouldn't get used.

There is a lot to fight against in the mindsets of people here, so I don't expect they'd even try sell it in the USA, not until marketing has changed what people expect from a car.

You're right, Renault have no plans whatsoever to sell Twizy in North America!

North America is a very tough place to sell European cars apart from maybe German cars because they are a status symbol for many I suppose same as here.

I think for far too long the big car with a big engine was forced down people throats there over many years and people now think they can't live without it, they were made believe they needed it. And of course cheap fuel is another thing you got there that we certainly don't have! 1 Euro 53 cent per litre of petrol at the moment,

The Twizy would be more than good enough for local travel, But I defiantly can see the point of no heat whatever about a/c, if they had proper doors at least. Sure a nice warm coat and gloves would probably do anyway, and you wouldn't be using it in the snow or ice probably anyway.

I think the idea for Renault was to aim Twizy purely at the scooter market and nothing else. I'm not even convinced it will sell well here, perhaps a few scooter riders will warm to it.

What a lot of people don't realise is the fact that more and more European and American technology is being shared already. For instance the Opel Astra is the Saturn Astra in the U.S, and the Opel Insignia is the Buick regal in the U.S, so on and so forth, the differences being the small engines for Europe and of course the powerful Diesels and a few cosmetic changes to give them a more American style. And Fiat and I think Chrysler are sharing technology, all this is happening in order to survive!

[sk8norcal]

this thread is in the wrong section...

[Lebowski]

I really like the Twizy , sigh

[o00scorpion00o]

From Renault


Provocative Renault Twizy now available in France
February 08, 2012 | ID: 31525

Following last year’s launches of Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E., Renault’s Z.E. range in France will be joined this month by Twizy which boasts its own specific features:



Unique styling and a radically new approach to motoring in built-up areas which combines fun, nimble handling and safety.
Powered entirely by electricity and readily affordable, with tax-paid prices starting from €6,990. There is a battery lease and insurance plan for everyone, starting from €50/month.
An urban-cycle range of 100km thanks to a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and energy recovery under deceleration.
An integrated three-metre long charging cable compatible with household 220V sockets for a complete battery charge in 3½ hours.
Safe and comfortable, with a level of performance similar to that of a 125cc scooter, and always fun to drive.

Twizy is a new, simple and effective solution for motoring in built-up areas and confirms Renault’s status as a truly innovative manufacturer. Customers have a choice of two motors and three equipment levels, with few options.


TWIZY = TWIn + eaSY:

Two seats and two versions… The top speed of Twizy ‘45’ has been capped, which means that this lightweight quadricycle can be driven from the age of 16 (road safety certificate required) in France, while holders of a valid ‘B’ driving licence are eligible to drive the 80kph version.
It takes owners no time at all to familiarise themselves with Twizy which combines the comfort and safety expected of a car (four wheels, disc brakes all-round, seat belts and front airbag) with the nimble handling of a two- or three-wheeler (turning circle: 3.4 metres / easy to park: less than 2.4 metres in length).

ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES TO MEET ALL NEEDS:

A choice of two motors, depending on usage and homologation: Twizy 45 (4kW/5hp, peak torque of 33Nm immediately available, top speed capped at 45kph) and Twizy (13kW/17hp, 57Nm of torque and a top speed of 80kph).
Three equipment levels: Urban (a high level of comfort and safety for the entry level version), Color (added style and colourful trim) and Technic (standard two-tone metallic paint, alloy wheels).
Useful options (doors, Twizy 45 Comfort Pack) and a long list of accessories (rear parking sensor, rear stowage, mp3/telephony kit, etc.).
Plus a range of battery lease plans tailored to suit usage, distance travelled and contract duration (from 12 to 72 months for an annual distance of between 7,500 and 15,000 kilometres, plus comprehensive breakdown coverage including a 24/7 recovery service within an 80km radius of the customer’s charge station).
TWIZY, THE JOKER IN THE CITY CAR PACK


Nothing like Twizy currently exists on the French market, and its numerous benefits will appeal to men, women, youngsters, tradesmen and traders alike.

Order books for Twizy are already open in France, while customers who pre-booked their car will be able to take delivery of their vehicle this spring. Test drives are available at the first European test centre in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, and media test drives are due to start at the beginning of March, immediately after the Geneva Motor Show.



LINE-UP, PRICES AND EQUIPMENT:

Tax-paid prices in France (excluding battery lease, not including available tax incentives)
VERSION TWIZY 45 TWIZY
URBAN 6,99 7,69
COLOR 7,29 7,99
TECHNIC 7,79 8,49
Options Doors: €590
Metallic paint (standard for TECHNIC versions): €250
Comfort Pack: demister and radio pre-equipment (Twizy 45 only): €100


URBAN Safety Comfort
Front driver airbag Single-ratio transmission (reducer)
Four-point front seat belt Two glove boxes (lockable dashboard glove box)
Three-point rear seat belt Lidded trunk behind rear seat
Disc brakes all-round 12V power supply in glove box
Locking steering column Comfort Pack (Twizy 45)
Parking brake applied when motor switched off
Styling Specific Z.E. features
Grey wheel trims Spiral three-metre charging cable at the front
Specific Z.E. trip computer with econometer
Audible Z.E. warning for pedestrians




COLOR = URBAN, plus: Styling
Coloured decals on glove box lids and doors (red, green or blue)
Coloured roof (red, green or blue)
Coloured nubuck upholstery for front and rear seats (red, green or blue)
White wheel trims
Carpet mat


TECHNIC = URBAN , plus: Styling
13-inch gloss black diamond-effect alloy wheels
Metallic paint
White front seat shell and elliptic dashboard
‘Carbon’-effect decals on glove box lids and doors
‘Carbon’-effect roof
Carpet mat


BATTERY HIRE TAX-PAID PRICE PLAN / CONTRACT DURATION (comprehensive breakdown recovery) in euros
7,500km/year 10,000km/year 12,500km/year 15,000km/year
12 months 60 64 68 72
24 months 55 59 63 67
36 months 50 54 58 62
48 months 50 54 58 62
60 months 50 54 58 62
72 months 50 54 58 62

[rojitor]

It's been for sale in my country one year ago, i have never seen it though. It is perfect for a big city commute but not for long trips, i guess they sold just a few here, i hope it can success in your country.

[o00scorpion00o]

You can add doors, radio and demister!

The 45kph top speed should not be allowed by anything on a public road that is NOT a bicycle That is just far too dangerous on the open road and will cause major annoyance to other drivers, including me on my E-bike!


The other 80kph for B license drivers is a lot better and is more than suitable for the kind of urban environment the Twizy is designed for!

I could see it being attractive for Europe's congested narrow streets, I know I would love it in town where you have to battle down narrow streets with cars parked and 2 lanes of traffic, trying to avoid parked cars and other drivers!




Defiantly, most cars usually have one person, so why need a bigger ice car wasting fuel in town ? It makes perfect sense but at about 9,000 excluding doors, demister etc it is very expensive. OH and 60 Euro's per month over 2 years and 10,000 kms or 6500 miles per year just adds to the pain, + road tax, insurance.

I would rather buy one of the custom frames here on E.S and have a bike that's fast, fun and you can take anywhere. No tax, insurance battery rental. Saving a fortune!

Batteries sure are not coming down in price at all !

[o00scorpion00o]

It's been for sale in my country one year ago, i have never seen it though. It is perfect for a big city commute but not for long trips, i guess they sold just a few here, i hope it can success in your country.

It's hard to know, I've seen a few Nissan Leaf's. They are installing charging points here like crazy, sadly not so many fast chargers. They were supposed to have 30 fast chargers installed by the end of 2011.

I would love to see anything other than ICE's polluting our towns and cities and not to mention the space they take up on narrow streets while just carrying 1 person.

http://maps.google.ie/maps?q=http://www.esb.ie/electric-cars/kml/all.kml&hl=en&sll=53.401034,-8.307638&sspn=10.098809,19.753418&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=7

[rojitor]

I have just read the data... It's quite shocking, 197 electric cars sold in 2011. No wonder electric fails here, unless you can make your whole commute on a single charge you cannot use an ev. In my area there's only one place to charge an ev and has ridiculous prices: free power yet you pay for parking 2€ per hour so let's say 5 hous per charge it's 10€ to refuel it... Even more expensive than gas. Our government is claiming full support for ev's yet they are doing nothing, or worse than nothing because our ebike laws are made to make electric bikes not so desirable and made me an outlaw rider.

[o00scorpion00o]

I have just read the data... It's quite shocking, 197 electric cars sold in 2011. No wonder electric fails here, unless you can make your whole commute on a single charge you cannot use an ev. In my area there's only one place to charge an ev and has ridiculous prices: free power yet you pay for parking 2€ per hour so let's say 5 hous per charge it's 10€ to refuel it... Even more expensive than gas. Our government is claiming full support for ev's yet they are doing nothing, or worse than nothing because our ebike laws are made to make electric bikes not so desirable and made me an outlaw rider.

I think the 2011 e.v sales for Ireland were 43. Bad time to try sell a 30,000 Euro car. €31800 if you include interest of about 6% and that would be cheap interest these days!

The U.S get it for about 10,000 Euro's less, and they think that is expensive which only makes me wonder how cheap new ICE cars are over there ?

With the cost of fuel in Europe, here now between 1.60 and 1.62 Euro's per Litre (8.00 u.s.d ) It makes a lot of sense to go electric. The biggest problem is range and price, e.v's are more suited for shorter range but nobody will pay 30K to drive around town. The longer distance driver only has a max of about 60-65 miles range at 65-70 mph, fairly level ground. If they could get the range up to 100 miles at 65-70 mph things would be a little better and roll out their 10 min fast charger that they won't say will be available.

Seemingly the Leaf uses 20 of the 24kw/hr battery, probably to increase life. But the leaf would need at least 35 kw/hr battery for 100 miles 60-65 mph!

[Lebowski]

They 80kmh Twizy is rated for 20 kW but, as we know, 2 or 3 times that much should be possible
(from the motor point of view) for short periods.

I'm starting to wonder, it would be a very cool project to get one and rip out all the electronics
untill you're left with only the 3 motor terminals. Then put in a high voltage battery
and try to build a 40 to 60 kW controller. 60 kW on a 450 kg (1000 pound) vehicle should
make for cool accelleration and burn-outs

[o00scorpion00o]

They 80kmh Twizy is rated for 20 kW but, as we know, 2 or 3 times that much should be possible
(from the motor point of view) for short periods.

I'm starting to wonder, it would be a very cool project to get one and rip out all the electronics
untill you're left with only the 3 motor terminals. Then put in a high voltage battery
and try to build a 40 to 60 kW controller. 60 kW on a 450 kg (1000 pound) vehicle should
make for cool accelleration and burn-outs

It would be a very expensive project!

Then there is the issue of range under 2 or 3 times the power, but yeah it would be rather fun!

[Matthijs]

I found this rather interesting information: http://ir.sevcon.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=659327

http://www.sevcon.com/ac-controllers/gen4%E2%84%A2.aspx

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., March 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sevcon, Inc. (Nasdaq:SEV) today announced its selection by Renault to supply Gen4 controls for Renault's newly introduced Twizy two-seater, electric city car. Currently on sale and shipping to customers in Europe, the Twizy combines the comfort and safety amenities of an automobile — four wheels, disc brakes, seat belts and front airbag — with nimble urban handling and parking and a range of 100km (60 miles) on a single 3.5 hour battery charge.
Renault is offering the Twizy in two versions, with top speeds of 28 and 50 miles per hour powered by Sevcon Gen4 Size 2 and Size 4 motor controllers, respectively. These microprocessor-based devices regulate power delivery from the Twizy's lithium-ion battery to the motor, controlling acceleration, speed and regenerative braking while optimizing energy consumption.  
"Renault's selection of our Gen4 controllers for the Twizy is a significant milestone for Sevcon as we continue to execute on our strategy to supplement sales to our customers in the industrial vehicle segment by capitalizing on opportunities in the on-road electric vehicle sector," said Sevcon President and CEO Matt Boyle. "We are proud to add Renault to our portfolio of global automotive OEM relationships and pleased with the progress we have made this month in ramping Gen4 controller production and shipments to support the Twizy launch."

If I would buy one should it be possible to get it up to 62 mph instead of 50 mph just for the freeway and passing trucks?

[Joseph C.]

If I would buy one should it be possible to get it up to 62 mph instead of 50 mph just for the freeway and passing trucks?

Those are the controllers that even experts have difficulty adjusting the settings?

[Matthijs]

Arcording to this article the Twizy is equiped with the 48 volt version of the Sevcon gen4 size 4.
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2012/03/26/twizy-driven-by-north-east-controllers/

It can handle 69.6 V at 780 A = 54,5 kW (If it's the G4865) I need to find out what is in there.

That should be fun to drive. But I think the Sevcon will be password protected and after that from the stories I read here it will be a pain to setup.

[Lebowski]

It sould be a fun project to get a Twizy, rip out the Sevcon and design something better myself

[o00scorpion00o]

It sould be a fun project to get a Twizy, rip out the Sevcon and design something better myself

Yeah, just imagine the cost of that ? Your warranty would be void for sure. I wonder will anyone be able to sell one without the battery ?

Does anyone know what ah and voltage the Twizy battery is ?

I would love to take a spin in one. I really wish it had full doors and maybe a gas heater for winter if you really wanted the heat as an option. It would appeal to a lot more people!

I wonder why Renault are not going to sell E.V's in North America ?

[Matthijs]

I will drive one on April 20. I hope to find out more about the batterypack and controller. I read from the Renault website that the batterylease is mandatory for at least one year and if it is sold to the next owner they should take over the lease. But I will find out soon. I was thinking about adding heated seats for colder days and hopefully an aftermarket window with small portion going into to doorbeam. But that is all far away. In Holland with petrol at almost €1,90 per liter and the twizy being so cheap to run and maybe finance it will be cheaper per month then almost every other car on the road. But at least 55 mph for the freeway would be nice.

[o00scorpion00o]

Thanks for the pics Matthijs.

I think people need to move away from the idea of 1 person to a car. I think twizy has a lot of potential for Europe's narrow streets.

The 50 mph limit wouldn't be a problem for me as all my local roads are 50 kph limited. The motorway is 120kph but I don't think the twizy should be allowed on a motorway!

[Lessss]

Twizzy is 2 person