Renault is working on an all-electric iteration of its popular small size hatchback, the Kwid. The company has been extremely tight lipped about its progress in this field, and has even refrained from setting any aggressive launch timelines. However, a few design images of the Renault Kwid Electric have been leaked on the Internet, giving us insights about how this new EV might look like.
The images leaked are computer generated graphics that show revised front and rear ends of the Kwid EV. It is a well known fact that electric powertrains don’t require a constant intake flow of air to operate. As a result, the front grille of the Renault Kwid electric has been changed to offer a more streamlined flow of air. This helps in reducing drag, which in-turn improves the car’s range on a single charge. Moreover, the front bumper has been tweaked and doesn’t get a air dam on the electric model.
Similarly, the rear bumper has been redesigned. It gets false air vents on either sides and a large blacked out area in the middle. The headlights and taillights appear to be all LED units, with the former also getting Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) on the top edge. This will lend the car a contemporary look.
Powering the Renault Kwid Electric is an all electric powertrain that the company is developing in partnership with its Chinese arm – Dongfeng. The powertrain is still under development and specifications are yet to be confirmed. However, Renault had previewed the Kwid Electric as the K-ZE concept that was showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. This K-ZE concept was claimed to offer a driving range of around 250 km on a single charge, along with the capability to be charged using domestic power outlets.
It is not yet known whether the Renault Kwid Electric will be launched in India. However, the automaker has already confirmed that it will launch at least 1 electric car in India. Since the Kwid is Renault’s most popular offering in the country, it will be obvious for the carmaker to launch an electric version of the Kwid to attract Indian customers.