Renault is set to revive its beloved Twingo in 2026, this time as a fully electric city car tailored for modern urban living. The fourth-generation Twingo will make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show, giving EV enthusiasts and city drivers a glimpse at this compact, efficient model. However, for UK drivers, there’s a twist: Renault has yet to confirm if a right-hand drive version will be available, putting a question mark over its future in the British market. Here’s everything we know so far about Renault’s new Twingo, from its design inspirations to the features and innovations aimed at making it a standout in the EV market.
A Nod to Its Roots with a Modern Twist
The Twingo made its debut in 1993 as an affordable, quirky option for city driving, appealing to buyers with its compact design and clever use of space. Known for its minimalism and cheerful look, the original Twingo quickly became an icon, thanks to its practicality and distinctive “monobox” shape. The 2026 Twingo E-Tech EV maintains this charm, embracing the original’s minimalist design but reimagined for the electric era.
According to Renault’s head of advanced design, Sandeep Bhambra, the new Twingo is a “reboot” of the original 1992 model. “We really tried to recreate the monobox shape of the first-generation Renault Twingo,” said Bhambra. Due to constraints around combustion engines and pedestrian safety, previous versions of the Twingo adopted a more conventional two-box shape. With the EV model, however, Renault’s designers were able to bring back the monobox shape, allowing the car to remain small and practical while making the most of modern EV capabilities.
Innovations and Technology Built for Urban Life
One of the standout features of the new Twingo is its focus on sustainable engineering. Renault has stated that the new Twingo EV will reduce CO2 emissions by 75% over its entire lifecycle compared to the average petrol car in 2023. This is thanks to Renault’s innovative use of lightweight materials, enhanced battery efficiency, and streamlined manufacturing processes developed under its Ampere sub-brand. Ampere is Renault’s dedicated EV division, responsible for producing next-generation electric models like the Twingo, as well as the upcoming Renault 4 and 5 E-Tech EVs.
The Twingo will use Renault’s new CMF-BEV platform—rebranded AMP-R Small—which focuses on creating small, budget-friendly electric vehicles that are quick to market.
Battery Efficiency and Range: Right-Sized for City Driving
The Renault Twingo EV is tailored specifically for city driving, which means it doesn’t boast a massive range but rather one that’s practical and efficient. Renault has set a target range of about 170 miles on a full charge, ideal for short commutes and daily errands around town. De Meo also mentioned that the Twingo will have best-in-class efficiency, delivering around 6 miles per kWh, achieved through advancements in thermal management that help maximise battery longevity and reduce the environmental footprint.
Renault’s Strategic Plans for Right-Hand Drive Markets
Despite the Twingo’s exciting features, there’s still uncertainty about whether it will reach UK shores. As a right-hand drive market, the UK requires additional engineering investment, estimated at £1 million for the Twingo. With slim profit margins in the city car segment, Renault has yet to confirm if this investment is feasible. It’s not the first time Renault has held back right-hand drive models in favour of stronger left-hand drive markets like mainland Europe, and there’s a precedent for cutting models that don’t make strong financial sense for the brand.
One of Renault’s biggest goals for the Twingo is to make electric driving accessible to more people. By keeping costs down and targeting a base price of under £17,000 (around €20,000), Renault is positioning the Twingo to be one of the most affordable EVs on the market. This pricing strategy places it in direct competition with other budget-friendly electric city cars, such as the Dacia Spring, Hyundai Ioniq, and Volkswagen’s forthcoming ID.2.
Renault hopes the Twingo will capture the hearts of a new generation of urban drivers. With a competitive price and range tailored to city life, the Twingo stands out as a practical choice for those seeking an affordable, stylish, and eco-conscious electric vehicle.
