Is Renault planning to tackle the North American market again? It seems that way, but just in measured steps as the French automaker is bringing its electrified offerings to Canada.
Announced in late May, Renault has partnered with the Azra dealer network to bring the small Renault Twizy to Canucks as soon as this September. Some things still have to be worked out with Canada’s governing body of transportation, as the car doesn’t quite fit traditional classifications for a car.
The electric powered Twizy is available in two variations, a 40 km/h model and an 80 km/h model, making it too slow for highways, but more than adequate for city driving. The car starts at just under $17,000 Canadian and orders are already being accepted.
In addition to the Twizy, the Kangoo electric van is also going to available in the Canadian market, although in limited numbers as a test program. Only about 1,000 models will be available during a two-year period as per the terms of a compliance waiver. This will help give Renault the opportunity to see if it can indeed sell its vehicles within Canadian and U.S. standards.