Renault to Produce EV based on Twizy Z.E. Concept in Spain

All-electric compact model to be produced at Renault's plant in Valladolid, Spain

By Alex Ricciuti
November 6, 2009 8:17 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, Electric Vehicle, European, Renault

Renault has announced that they will be taking the Twizy Z.E. Concept to production.

The new EV (electric vehicle) based on the Twizy Z.E. Concept will be produced at Renault's plant in Valladolid, Spain, located 150 km north west of the country's capital Madrid. The plant was chosen because of its proximity to the largest markets where Renault will be selling the new EV model - namely, those of Western Europe. The model is part of a larger plan by Renault to bring a complete range of zero-emissions vehicles to the market by 2011.

The Twizy features a pearlescent white coating to the body and "luminous matrix displays" which can be lighted to perform as headlights or taillights. The displays can also communicate emotions to other drivers, such as creating a smiley face.

The minicar concept (2.30 meters in length and 1.13 m wide) is powered by a 15kW (20 hp) electric motor with 70 Nm of torque. Current comes from lithium-ion battery pack installed under the seats. Range is said to be 100 km and the Twizy boasts a top speed of 75 km/h.

Production of the model is slated to begin in 2011.

Source: Renault

Press Release (Click to expand)

RENAULT TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASED ON TWIZY Z.E. CONCEPT IN VALLADOLID, SPAIN

Renault, which already produces Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus
exclusively in Spain, has chosen to manufacture the future electric vehicle (EV) based on Twizy Z.E.
Concept at Valladolid, 150 km north west of Madrid. Compact, nimble and practical, the future zero-
emission EV will fully meet all sustainable urban mobility needs.

Valladolid was selected for its expertise and performance in compact car production. It currently produces Modus and Grand Modus and a share of New Clio output. The Group also chose to produce its future EV in Spain as close as possible to the sales market, namely Western Europe, in order to simplify logistics. Production will start in 2011.

After France, with the announcement of the production of the future city car based on Zoé Z.E. Concept, it is now the turn of Renault's Spanish production base to prepare for the industrialization of a zero-emission model.

Renault also announced last month that Valladolid would be allocated production of a thermal engine in 2012 and a fuel-combustion vehicle in 2013.

Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.