The new Twingo E-Tech has become the first Western car developed in China and produced in Europe. Its launch is scheduled for 2026 and, thanks to its production in Europe, it could qualify for environmental incentives, according to a survey by the Argentine News Agency. It will be sold profitably for less than 20,000 euros, making it one of the cheapest electric cars in Europe. European manufacturers set out to develop an electric car from scratch in less than two years, when it usually takes four. Thus, this affordable electric vehicle highlighted how they could intelligently respond to Chinese competition, a leader in affordability and speed to market.
"We came with humility to learn how to be fast," explained Jérémie Coiffier, the project's chief engineer. "And learning to be fast doesn't just mean doing the same thing faster, but doing things differently. It's a transformation."
The question that now arises is: could this approach be the salvation for the weakened European automotive industry?
It all started in 2023 when Renault opened a research and development center in Shanghai, internally codenamed "AC/DC," a play on words referring to both the band and electricity. According to its director, Philippe Brunet, it has 160 engineers, 150 of them Chinese and ten French. In just four weeks, the team had the first prototype ready. The entire development process took only 21 months, instead of the usual four. 46% is composed of Chinese parts, including a CATL LFP battery and an 82 HP motor from Shanghai Edrive. Curiously, CATL batteries are also produced in Europe, specifically in Hungary. The vehicle is manufactured in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
Renault collaborated with about 30 carefully selected Chinese suppliers, with experience working with giants like BYD and Tesla. These include Shanghai Edrive for motors, Lucky Harvest for metal structural components, and Jinzhong for interior equipment.
"We are and will remain a Europe-focused manufacturer," declared Brunet. "There is real intelligence in China when it comes to reusing existing technologies and tools," said Brunet. Despite its success, Renault emphasizes that a complete relocation to China is not the goal. "AC/DC played a fundamental role in the joint development," noted Coiffier.
