Renault Unveils the Kwid e-Tech Electric Vehicle

Renault has officially unveiled the much-anticipated electric hatchback, Kwid EV, in Brazil. The car will be marketed as 'Kwid E-Tech' in that region. Its petrol version has been quite popular in India's entry-level car segment and is now all set to make an impact in electric form. The Kwid EV is based on the Dacia Spring EV platform, which has already gained popularity in European markets. While the car's design resembles its petrol counterpart, it includes several key updates for the EV version. The front features a closed grille and vertical slots that give it an electric appearance, complemented by projector headlights flanking the bumper.

The Kwid E-Tech stands out with various elements that differentiate it from other small EVs. These include integrated turn indicators on the ORVMs, 14-inch steel wheels with dual-tone wheel covers, and robust wheel arch cladding that lends a sporty stance. Other modern touches include black door cladding, flip-up door handles, and signature EV badging.

Inside, the car features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, USB-C ports, and an adjustable-height steering wheel. It also offers 290 liters of boot space. Safety is a priority as well, with the Kwid EV equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability program (ESP), hill-start assist, a rear camera, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), seatbelt reminders, and ISOFIX mounts. The company has also included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.

For the powertrain, the car is equipped with a 26.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a range of up to 250 kilometers on a single charge, according to the company. The electric motor delivers approximately 65 hp of maximum power. While Renault India has not officially announced a launch timeline for the Kwid EV, test mules frequently spotted on Indian roads suggest that it might be available to customers by 2026.