The Renault Twingo Electric performs well in the TÜV vehicle inspection. This is likely also due to the low mileage of the French compact car, which is often driven mainly in city environments.
The additional abbreviation ZE, meaning “Zero Emission,” on the tailgate marks the difference: this is the electric version of the popular small car. The third generation of the Twingo, unlike its successor, was also available with a combustion engine.
The Auto Bild TÜV Report 2026 dedicates a chapter to the French electric car and discusses its performance in the mandatory vehicle inspection (HU). According to the report, it causes hardly any problems. However, it also offers an important tip for prospective buyers.
Based on the facelifted third-generation Twingo, the Electric version—technically identical to certain Smart models—was introduced in 2020. Production ended in 2024. Its successor, the Twingo E-Tech, was presented in 2025.
Bodywork and variants
The Twingo Electric is a typical small car with one unusual feature: rear-wheel drive. It is only available as a five-door model.
Dimensions (according to ADAC):
3.62 m x 1.65 m x 1.54 m (L x W x H)
Boot capacity:
219 liters to 980 liters (to roof height with the rear seats folded down)
Strengths
Among passenger cars, models like the Twingo are considered city cars. The French vehicle has a small turning circle of just 8.60 meters and handles very nimbly.
According to the report, it performs comparatively well in the mandatory vehicle inspection (HU). The brake discs performed better than average, and the brake lines and hoses were completely free of defects. Oil leaks from the drivetrain—also possible in electric cars—were not detected.
The report also attributes the positive overall results to the typically low mileage of these city cars.
Weaknesses
Some components are occasionally criticized, including springs, dampers, axle suspension, steering joints, and lighting components. However, the complaint rates remain below average in each case.
The report incorporates data from the first mandatory vehicle inspection, which privately owned cars must undergo after three years.
The report also advises prospective used car buyers to check the battery condition. Ideally, this should be confirmed with a State of Health (SoH) certificate.
Breakdown behavior
In the ADAC breakdown statistics, the electric Twingo stands out for its high reliability. Regarding potential breakdown hotspots, the organization notes that there are “no conspicuous components.”
Motor, battery, and range
Permanent magnet synchronous motor (rear-wheel drive): 60 kW / 82 hp
The drive battery has an energy capacity of 22 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The range according to WLTP is 190 kilometers.
Used car prices (dealer selling value according to DAT)
Based on statistically expected mileage:
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Twingo ZE Electric Life (06/2022) – 60 kW / 82 hp – 44,000 km – €8,986
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Twingo ZE Electric Intens (06/2021) – 60 kW / 82 hp – 55,000 km – €9,587
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Twingo ZE Electric Zen (06/2022) – 60 kW / 82 hp – 44,000 km – €9,262
