Almost 30 years after the sale of the last Renault automobile in Canada, Renault announces a comeback of sorts, through a partnership with Azra, a supplier of EV charging stations.
The Renault Twizy electric car will not be sold or leased directly to the public. Instead, monthly memberships of 99$ (insurance and title included) will be sold to consumers, in similar fashion to shared bikes and car-sharing programs like Zipcar.
As the tiny Twizy doesn’t meet Canadian safety standards, it will be marketed as a low-speed urban vehicle, governed to a maximum of 40 km/h. The Twizy seats two, tandem-style, and offers seatbelts for driver and passenger. Its 5 hp electric motor is located under the car, in front of the rear axle. Despite its narrowness, the Twizy offers two swing-up doors, but don’t go looking for power windows, manual windows or any window, period – there are none, except for the windshield. The same goes for heating, ventilation or infotainment – all are missing in action. Renault claims the Twizy is winter-proof, after installation of snow tires, flexible side windows and use of electric blankets to warm up its occupants (seriously!).
What the Twizy does offer: 4-wheel disc brakes, airbag-equipped steering wheel, standard-size 13” alloy wheels and tires, a rear trunk where you’d expect a window and a standard SAE charging port for use at public charging stations. Don’t forget too-cute styling that straddles Blade Runner and Disney. Maximum range is estimated at 100 km on a full charge.
