Renault launches load carrying Twizy Cargo

DELIVERY drivers could have a whole new look if Renault's new take on a commercial vehicle gets traction.

Based on the radical two-seater Twizy electric vehicle, the Twizy Cargo disposes of the rear seat, opting instead for a 180-litre load area and a rear opening door.

The tiny van can’t quite handle a forklift pallet but its 180-litre load area would swallow a good stack of pizzas or nearly four bags of cement thanks to a 75kg capacity.

Renault is aiming the Twizy Cargo at businesses that operate in and around busy city centers where its ease of parking and zero emissions could make it more viable than conventional vans.

The Twizy Cargo has a range of up to 100kms and a top speed of 90km/h but a full charge using a standard three-pin socket takes just three and a half hours which may allay some consumer range anxiety.

It might be marketed as a commercial vehicle but the Twizy Cargo doesn’t have to come in the traditional van shade of white as its launch coincides with Renault’s ‘Design Your Own Twizy’ scheme.

The configurator tool is now available to UK customers and allows a Twizy or Twizy Cargo to be decorated in a range of 43 colours and 30 different pre-designed wraps.

The zero (on-road) emissions status of the Twizy and Twizy Cargo qualifies it for various exemptions and tax breaks in some countries however Australia is yet to follow suit on electric car ownership incentives.

Far from it in fact. With four wheels and a steering wheel, the Twizy is classed as a car in Australia but lacks side-impact bars and electronic stability control that the little Renault requires to be road legal here.

Earlier this year Renault unveiled a high-performance version of the Twizy named the Twizy Renault Sport F1, which borrowed technology from the Renault grand prix car and boosted power from 17kW to 75kW.

As yet no variants of the Twizy have been announced for Australia.