The National Times - New Twingo e-tech is at the starting line

New Twingo e-tech is at the starting line


New Twingo e-tech is at the starting line
New Twingo e-tech is at the starting line

Renault has reimagined its iconic Twingo as a purely electric city car. Built on the AmpR Small platform, the new model uses a lithium‑iron‑phosphate battery with 27.5 kWh of usable capacity and an 80 hp motor. This combination gives a WLTP range of about 163 miles (approximately 263 km). Standard charging is via a 6.6 kW AC charger, with options for 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC; the latter takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. A one‑pedal mode delivers strong regeneration for urban driving.

The Twingo E‑Tech is slated to hit the European market in early 2026 with a target price below €20,000. Early adopters can secure an R Pass from December 2025, gaining priority ordering and perks such as a 1:43 scale model and early test drives. Inside, a seven‑inch digital instrument cluster is paired with a ten‑inch infotainment screen running Google services and voice control. Sliding rear seats allow the boot to expand to 360 litres, and up to 24 driver‑assistance systems—including automated emergency braking and lane‑keeping—make this tiny EV surprisingly sophisticated.

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Design cues recall the cheerful 1992 original: round LED headlights, bright paintwork and a compact silhouette with a generous 2.49‑m wheelbase create a surprisingly spacious cabin. Efficiency has been a core goal; the LFP battery and low mass aim for around 6.2 miles per kilowatt‑hour. Built in Novo Mesto, Slovenia alongside the upcoming Renault 5, the Twingo E‑Tech embodies Renault’s push to make affordable electric cars mainstream.

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Dubai Police Unveil Next Generation of ‘Ghiath’ Smart Patrols Powered by BYD

In line with Dubai’s vision to lead in security, sustainability and smart mobility, Dubai Police, in partnership with Al-Futtaim, the exclusive distributor of BYD in the UAE, has launched the second generation of its ‘Ghiath’ smart patrol vehicles.The launch ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD Company, Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Al-Futtaim, Major General Hareb Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, Major General Rashid Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Transport and Rescue, along with senior officers and representatives from both organisations.The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Police and Al-Futtaim, the exclusive distributor of BYD in the UAE. The agreement was signed by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei on behalf of Dubai Police and Yousuf AlRaeesi, Director of Government Affairs at Al-Futtaim, on behalf of the company. The partnership aims to develop the second generation of ‘Ghiath’ smart patrol vehicles using the plug in hybrid DENZA B8, combining advanced security technologies, high performance and environmental sustainability. The new patrols will support police operations with more advanced smart vehicles that improve response times, enhance field operations and meet the evolving demands of future policing.Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri said Dubai Police remains committed to maintaining its position among the world’s leading police organisations by equipping its operations with the latest technologies and advanced equipment to enhance community safety and security. He noted that the partnership with Al-Futtaim and BYD represents an important step in developing the second generation of ‘Ghiath’ smart patrols and expanding Dubai Police’s fleet with highly advanced vehicles designed to deliver optimal performance across policing and security operations.

Leggett Dynamics Launches Mid-Class Massage System & Makes Luxury Comfort Accessible on High-Volume Programs

DETROIT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / June 22, 2026 / Leggett Dynamics today launched its Mid-Class Massage System (MCM), a breakthrough non-electronic innovation that makes premium massage more accessible beyond the luxury vehicle segment. Now in production with a global OEM, MCM was also shortlisted for the 2026 Auto Tech Partnership Award for industry-leading innovation and collaboration.

Leggett Dynamics Launches Smart Brushless Motor & Advances Quiet, Software-Defined Comfort & Motion

Reduces Complexity & Cost, Improves Performance, Supports Next-Gen Architectures

Small, efficient and revolutionary: The IPOP electric car from Alsace

In early May 2026, the French start‑up IPOP Automobiles unveiled a prototype of its mini electric car at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. Nicknamed IPOP, the vehicle breaks with conventions: instead of a central motor, each wheel houses its own electric motor. The company promises that nearly all components are manufactured in France, with battery cells from China being the only exception.Visually, the IPOP resembles a hybrid of a beach buggy and a golf cart. It can be configured as a two‑ or four‑seat vehicle, with open or enclosed bodywork, and with either two‑ or four‑wheel drive. Inventor Christophe Winkelmuller believes that wheel‑hub motors are the next big leap in vehicle electrification, comparable to the battery revolution of the past decade. By eliminating bulky drivetrains, the wheel motors are intended to save space and increase efficiency.

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