Automotive

Renault rips out rear seat to make Twizy Cargo edition

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Renault has ripped out the passenger seat and modified the rear end cut-out to make a Cargo edition of its Twizy battery electric vehicle
Renault has ripped out the passenger seat and modified the rear end cut-out to make a Cargo edition of its Twizy battery electric vehicle
The Twizy Cargo's storage compartment is not going to be nearly enough to transport your baby grand piano, but it should be spacious enough for inner city deliveries of small packets and boxes
The rear passenger area has been replaced by a 550 x 500 x 950-mm watertight trunk with 180-liter capacity and capable of handling loads of up to 75 kg
The lockable rear door opens to 90 degrees
Renault reports that 60 percent of Twizy buyers have been from the business world
The Twizy Cargo is aimed at delivery concerns like couriers or postal services, but could also be a good fit for mobile technicians such as IT engineers or auto mechanics
The Twizy Cargo's door locking system works in tandem with the ignition key for security
The Cargo's 2.3 x 1.2 x 1.4 m dimensions make it svelte enough to fit end-on into the tightest of parking spots
View gallery - 8 images

Since first being presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault's Twizy has gone from concept to production model, and like many small young things, has also dreamed of becoming a firefighter and a F1 racer.

For its latest party trick, the French auto giant really means business. The battery electric roofed quad bike has sacrificed its passenger seat and had its rear end cut-out modified to make room for a small amount of storage space. The result of this collaborative effort from Renault's Tech and Sports divisions is the new Twizy Cargo.

The Twizy has been on sale to the public in Europe for a while now and, while not exactly commonplace, I can report having seen a number of them zipping through traffic or parked in impossibly-tight spaces in my neck of the woods. I've also spent a short while in the driving seat, and can confirm that this teeny battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is a whole lot of fun.

Its relatively low purchase price, penny-pinching running costs and small form factor make it an excellent first car for urban commutes, or a fairly cheap entrée to the world of electric vehicles. Yet Renault reports that 60 percent of Twizy buyers have been from the business world, and has therefore developed a new version especially for them.

Aimed at delivery concerns like couriers or postal services, the Twizy Cargo's rear passenger area has been replaced by a 550 x 500 x 950 mm (22 x 20 x 37 in) watertight trunk with 180 liter (6.4 cu ft) capacity, capable of handling loads of up to 75 kg (165 lb). That's not going to be nearly enough to transport your baby grand piano, but it should be spacious enough for inner city deliveries of small packets and boxes. The trunk also benefits from a lockable door that opens to 90 degrees.

The Twizy Cargo's door locking system works in tandem with the ignition key for security

The light commercial vehicle's door locking system works in tandem with the ignition key to help ensure that anyone who slides in through the windowless opening Dukes of Hazard-style, isn't going to whizz off in your Twizy while you're dropping off your parcel. Safety features include a 4-point seatbelt, airbag and protective cabin.

Renault is releasing two versions of the modified BEV. The 45 Life (MA L6e) model's 5 hp electric motor gives it a limited top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), and a quoted real world range of about 80 km (50 miles). It's been given a starting price of €8,080 (about US$10,433), though it is subject to Renault's battery rental scheme, which will add at least €50 (US$65) to monthly bills.

The more powerful Life (MB L7e) flavor can get up to 80 km/h (50 mph) from its 17 hp motor, and promises a similar real world range. This model could be yours for €8,780 ($11,337).

Source: Renault

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9 comments
Nairda
This is such a convenient lump to have around a crowded city. More comfortable, safe and practical then a scooter. Plus quiet !!
BigGoofyGuy
I think it would make a great way to deliver small light weight items like flowers, pizza, small parcels, etc.
David Anderton
if they could get it up to 110km/h I would be keen
The Skud
Yes! Add those big F1 wheels, 110 km/h - "the fastest delivery mini in the west" Don't think it would like being passed by a semi though!
Bruce H. Anderson
Renault is probably trying to save money by making minor body modifications, but a bigger squarer boot is what it needs to be practical.
DonGateley
"windowless opening"? Does that mean the the thing doesn't have windows that can close out the elements? While this version could otherwise satisfy my requirements perfectly I wouldn't want the sudden appearance of rain while I'm across town to mean I'm gonna get soaked coming home unless I carry rain gear in it.
Closable windows are sorta necessary for cold climes too. Heat isn't strictly necessary but keeping the wind out is.
Slowburn
The problem is that the operating cycle of a delivery vehicle will hopefully make charging batteries impractical. An efficient but tiny engine (15cc) pumping energy into a storage system that ages better that electrical batteries. (flywheel or pneumatic)
For pizza delivery or any other food for that matter the pneumatic could also provide keeping 1 box hot and another cold.
Slowburn
I forgot to say that with the pneumatic I would put a Stirling cycle engine or thermocouples to eat the temperature differential between the compressor and expansion component to generate electricity for the lights and such.
re; DonGateley
The cargo box's door does not have a window so as to not tempt crooks.
JPAR
yes, because as we know the world's main source of pollution is from pizza delivery mopeds......! Surely the entire purpose of this car is to replace larger vehicles, not scooters?
On a different note, wouldn't have been that hard to at least double the storage space - what about a long streamlined roof box? Or designing a 2 wheel, short wheelbase, high top trailer to attach to the rear? Perhaps the trailer could contain an extra battery and switch/replace flat batteries that way by adding a new trailer?