Renault Kwid Electric launched in Brazil

The French automobile manufacturer Renault has launched the all-electric version of its highly successful hatchback Kwid E-TECH in Brazil. The model available in the South American country has been introduced at a price of 142,990 Brazilian Real which is approximately Rs 23.20 lakh. The all-electric entry-level hatchback was first unveiled as the K-ZE at the 2020 Auto Show and is also available in Europe as the Dacia Spring EV. Renault Kwid E-Tech will now become the cheapest electric vehicle for sale in Brazil replacing the JAC E-JS1.

In terms of design, the all-new Kwid E-TECH largely resembles the outgoing ICE Kwid however it does boast a few EV specific design elements. As the model has no engine in the front like all the other EVs it gets a closed-off grille with a touch of chrome garnish in form of two strips below the logo. Additionally, it also gets E-TECH badging all around along with a set of newly designed alloy wheels. The Brazil-spec Kwid EV is available in three shades in the South American country and the options include a Noronha Green, Glacier Polar White, and Diamond Silver.

On the interior side of things, the Kwid E-Tech gets an EV-specific instrument cluster and a four-spoke steering wheel. Apart from these the interior is also not a whole lot different from its ICE counterpart. It also gets the same circular gear selector as the India-spec Kwid along with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and electric windows.

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While in terms of safety features the model gets a list, which is significantly superior to the India-spec Kwid. The list on the E-Tech variant includes Six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start aid, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The new Kwid E-Tech comes equipped with 26.8 kWh batteries, which can provide a range of 298 km in urban use and 265 km in the mixed cycle, which combines city and highway driving. When charged from a 20A and 220V domestic outlet, the car can charge to a range of 190 km in roughly 9 hours. In terms of performance, the French manufacturer boasts that the cheapest electric car in Brazil has 65 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 50 kilometres per hour in 4.1 seconds. The car weighs around 977 kg.

Renault claims that the EV hatchback can achieve the same 190 km range in just 40 minutes at a fast-charging station, and it will take 2 hours and 50 minutes for the Renault Kwid E-Tech to leave the 15% to the 80% state of charge while using a 7 kW Wallbox charger.

Furthermore, the cheapest electric car in Brazil features an ECO mode and regenerative braking, both of which are vital for contributing to the decrease of energy consumption of these types of cars, particularly in urban use. The model also comes equipped with the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which emits an audible warning signal to pedestrians until the vehicle reaches 30 km/h.

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