European EV makers shift to smaller cars to challenge SUVs
8 reported
European electric carmakers are introducing smaller, more affordable models designed for narrow city streets, reversing a trend toward larger SUVs. The new Renault Twingo E-Tech, priced from €19,490 in France and expected to sell for about £18,000 in the UK next year, is one example of this shift. Battery technology improvements and reduced manufacturing costs have enabled companies to produce compact electric vehicles that fit European urban environments. Renault’s chief design officer, Laurens van den Acker, stated that small electric cars, not large SUVs, are key to environmental progress. Other models in this segment include the Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot E-208, Mini Cooper Electric, Fiat 500e, and the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo. The trend comes as cars manufactured in 2024 were on average 5% longer and nearly 4% wider than in 2016, according to Dutch government statisticians. European carmakers also face pressure to meet emissions targets and compete with Chinese rivals such as BYD and Leapmotor.
What’s reported
The Renault Twingo E-Tech is priced from €19,490 in France and expected to sell for about £18,000 in the UK next year.
Cars manufactured in 2024 were 5% longer and nearly 4% wider on average than in 2016, per Dutch government statisticians.
Renault designed the Twingo in two years instead of four, cut parts from 1,500-2,000 to 750, and did some engineering in China.
The Twingo has a 27.5kWh battery with a range of 163 miles.
Smart Europe is planning an electric version of the Fortwo called the #2.
Cupra launched the electric Raval starting at £23,785.
Road transport accounts for about a fifth of EU emissions.
The EU imposed tariffs on Chinese cars last year due to government subsidies.
Key figures
Laurens van den Acker, chief design officer at Renault
Wolfgang Üfer, boss of Smart Europe
Xuan-Zheng Goh, director for product, marketing and communication at Smart Europe
Markus Haupt, chief executive of Cupra and Seat
Sources: The Guardian
