Living in Charente-Maritime, Martine and Gérard have been using a Renault Twingo electric car as their second vehicle for two years. While such a choice is becoming more common in 2024, it is still somewhat surprising. This retired couple, who are used to bigger cars, might be drawn towards the future versatile electric car due to memories of their Renault 5 in the 80s.
Introduction
As many readers of Automobile Propre know, I appreciate interviews that are out of the ordinary. This one is a first for me after receiving nearly a thousand testimonies, across all media platforms. I have known Martine and Gérard for forty years now. At that time, I was in Oise and just 18 years old, starting my career as a low-level worker in a bank.
Martine was one of my first colleagues in an agency of around twelve people where camaraderie and friendship were highly valued. Saturdays were often a time to celebrate or gather as a group in communal halls to talk, laugh, and dance with families. The term “laughter” was practically invented for Gérard, Martine’s husband.
As their three children grew up, the Peugeot 604 V6 had to be replaced by one of the first Renault Espaces. Martine’s Renault 5 was rarely seen since she preferred walking to the office, a distance that many would drive today.
Surprising Choice
I owe it to the staff of that agency for becoming an IT technician for the same company in the Paris region and later a journalist. I lost touch with Martine and Gérard over thirty years ago as our paths diverged due to job changes and relocations. However, a few months ago, I received a text message with a photo that reconnected us. We exchanged news and promised to meet. During the conversation, electric cars came up, and that’s when Martine revealed she was driving a Renault Twingo E-Tech.
Like many, I didn’t have many electric car users in my circle. Seeing Martine and Gérard transition relatively early was unexpected since we shared an interest in spacious vehicles. I couldn’t have imagined them driving an electric car, especially with their love for cross-country camping trips. This led me to delve deeper into their motivations and share their interesting experience.
Circumstantial Choice
Meticulous with her choices, Martine tends to keep her cars for a long time: “I used my Renault 5 for about twenty years. Then I had a 2002 Clio II that is still running and used by a son-in-law in the Paris region. Four years ago, I switched to the Clio IV, but I sold it quickly because it became too big. I prefer smaller cars.”
The decision to adopt an electric car was influenced by circumstances, as Gérard explains: “It was during the fuel shortages due to strikes that made us consider electric cars. We visited the Renault dealership with the intention of testing a Dacia Spring. The customer advisor, who was very open and attentive, suggested trying out a Renault Twingo E-Tech afterwards.”
Requesting a test drive for a Dacia Spring was deliberate for Martine: “A friend owns one, but I quickly noticed it wasn’t stable on the road, especially in windy conditions which are common here. However, the electric Twingo performed well under these circumstances.”
Leasing
The Renault Twingo E-Tech was acquired through a leasing contract: “We heard that for an electric car, leasing is recommended. At 225 euros per month, including maintenance, we have the Twingo at our disposal for 48 months in a high-end Intens finish. It was a showroom model with about 800 km on the clock.”
The electric city car is used for local trips within a limited radius: “After two years, it has only 6,100 km on it. We use it for local errands and activities, like going to Royan or Saintes. But for trips over 80 km, we use our gasoline car. The real range is around 150-160 km.”
Gérard doesn’t go more than 50 km from home with the Twingo: “It’s simple, we always charge it at home. Following the dealership’s advice, I installed a reinforced Green’Up socket in the garage myself.”
Room for Improved Range
Over two years, the couple hasn’t faced any major issues with the Renault Twingo E-Tech, except for a minor incident: “The light controls are close to the turn signals. Once by mistake, I turned on the high beams, and the car’s 12V battery died. I couldn’t unlock the doors. Now I’m more careful. Why do the lights stay on when the car is turned off?.”
Martine is generally satisfied with her electric city car: “It handles very well and is easy to drive with good acceleration. However, the GPS system is not great, and I find the range too limited. Our daughter Isabelle sometimes uses it when she visits. “
Gérard also criticizes the range: “As a second car for local driving, the Renault Twingo electric is perfect. But I can’t imagine driving long distances with it. It’s not suitable for extended trips.”
Expensive Cars
Will Martine’s future car be electric in two years? Not certain: “Whether it’s electric or gasoline depends on the price and the citadine models available in the market. However, it will never have a manual transmission again. I also prefer having a backup camera. The widespread adoption of electric cars would be great if they were more affordable. Many households with tight budgets cannot afford them. Gasoline models have also become too expensive.”
What about the future Renault 5 electric, reminiscent of the mid-80s city car? “I would love to see it. It could be a favorite of mine. But I need to see it in person. Reading dimensions on paper isn’t enough for me. I tried a Renault Zoe and felt uncomfortable because it was too large. If I have to spend 40,000 euros for an average-equipped second car, count me out!“
Gérard also doubts a rapid transition to all-electric vehicles in France: “Currently, the progress is driven by subsidies, but these cars are too expensive. For many, home charging is not feasible, making it costly elsewhere.”
Automobile Propre and I extend our gratitude to Martine and Gérard for their testimonial and availability.