There has been whispers of late surrounding the re-introduction of the Renault electric vehicle into the Quebec province in Canada, this time around as a Mitsubishi sedan. All Renault electric vehicle units are built in South Korea by Samsung and sold all over the world by Mitsubishi as replacements to its own aging line-up that is now seen as uncompetitive.
The Twizy is a two-passenger EV that is powered by batteries and is technically classified in Europe as a heavy form of quadricycle, which is a light quadricycle meant for the Urban 45 model.
Renault electric vehicle classified as a quadricycle
The celebrated Renault electric vehicle enjoys a maximum 100 kilometre range, which is quite good to say the least. The plan to re-enter the Quebec market was abandoned last year after a series of fluctuations in the currency made the whole project untenable.
Many believe that it is not possible for the Twizy to achieve much-needed traction, since it is an open-air vehicle. This detail becoming quite a large issue seeing as it will be driven in a country that boasts of the coldest weather for a good part of the year. Anyone who has been to the province come winter knows that it is not a good idea to use a car without sealed doors to protect the passengers from the extremes of sub-zero temperatures.
In spite of the freezing cold weather condition, Quebec boasts of an abundant supply of zero-carbon hydroelectric electricity. It offers the most affordable electricity in the whole of North America, and the Quebec government is willing to give many incentives, enough to entice its drivers to adopt the use of electric vehicles.
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Nevertheless, it has been the consensus of experts that the Renault electric vehicle will not be getting a grand welcome from the prospective buyers or auto market itself. If a Canadian buys the Twizy, they would have serious concerns about freezing to death while driving it.
Quebec plans to grab the leadership against other would-be competitors when it comes to electrifying its means of transport. Many however, questions the viability of the Renault electric vehicle project since it involves a significant amount of money just to launch a brand. It is a must that the overall sales is high enough to gain the necessary profit.
This is a condition that’s difficult to be met by a mass-market brand. Indeed, it is hard to prove profitability while among stiff competition within the lower market prism.
Renault predicted to struggle in securing profit from Canadian market
Based on the pricing in Europe, the Renault electric vehicle will have to charge higher prices than Micra, a hatchback four-seater by Nissan electric auto maker.
This mini car carries is priced at a low C$9,998; making it the most affordable vehicle available for sale in Canada.
Still, in the case of Twizy, it holds the title of being the only low-speed electric car designed and made by a global car manufacturer.
It is yet to be seen if the Quebec market will be impressed enough and buy the Renault electric vehicle based on such a limited credential. Unfortunately, it seems many already view Renault’s plan to re-enter the Quebec market as doomed to fail.
Photo courtesy of Chris Baird on Flickr
