Renault announced today that its 1+1 tandem-seat electric vehicle will go on sale at the end of 2011 with a starting price of €6,900 (US$9,500), including taxes. The Twizy could be even cheaper to buy in countries where electric cars qualify for incentives.

As with the Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E., buyers will lease the battery for a monthly fee of €45 ($62) for an annual distance of 7,500 km (4,660 miles). According to Renault, this distance covers the vast majority of ordinary motorists’ requirements.

Monthly battery subscription aside, Twizy‘s running costs are estimated by Renault to be 15 percent lower than those of a three-wheeler scooter. These costs include insurance, maintenance and energy (battery lease plus electricity).

The 2.4 meter long Twizy has a maximum driving range of 115 km (72 miles), with a full charge of its batteries taking three and a half hours through any domestic supply.

You can read more about the Twizy in our previous post here.

By Dan Mihalascu

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