Europe’s EV makers pivot to smaller electric cars
European automakers including Renault are shifting from large electric SUVs to smaller, cheaper city-focused EVs, with Renault’s chief design officer saying, "The world is not going to be saved by big electric SUVs." Companies are shrinking vehicle footprints, prioritizing compact dimensions and lower-capacity batteries to suit narrow streets and urban parking while making the designs more stylish. The shift is driven by falling battery costs and stricter EU fleet CO2 limits plus rising expectations for locally built content that favor affordable urban models. If adopted widely, smaller EVs could cut urban congestion and emissions and make electrification affordable for more drivers, even as they pressure manufacturers' SUV profit margins and complicate exports to markets like the United States.
Finally some good news. European carmakers are shifting focus from SUVs to smaller, more affordable electric cars, driven by improved battery technology and reduced manufacturing costs.
Anchovy Georgiev8I’ve seen one large SUV, that is the default car in Australia, in Paris in a week. Also,
Bruno7Sound economic policy would dictate a cap on vehicle mass, so the Twingo driver doesn't need to fear for his integrity when facing a Range Rover, doesn't need to pay for the road damage it causes, or fear the danger it represents for his children.
Jay Shaw6Let’s take out Tesla AND fossil fuel companies. This is the way
tshandy.bsky.social6Now if only they'd sell them in North America.
Irritable Yet Soporific3But, of course, we won't get nice things in the "Land of the Fee."
Elise Cutts2I‘d seriously love one of these little cars but as an apartment dweller I‘d have no way to charge at home 🥲
Martin Kimber2@davidho.bsky.social these articles still manage to be maddening even though I agree it’s great to see more small models being viable. (As an owner of an old electric car with somewhat variable range, I laughed at “this reporter had to stop for twenty minutes to charge up” as if this was […]
“The world is not going to be saved by big electric SUVs,” says Renault’s chief design officer…”The world is going to be saved by small electric cars. We need them to become as popular as other cars.” More small electric cars, but also fewer cars overall, driven much less thanks to more choices.
EssaysConcern4Yes indeed. And the Renault 4 e-tech has the practicality of an SUV but at a smaller size - retro chique not mini SUV. Low embedded carbon too. Just been camping - incl the dog and 4m bell tent - and it was wonderful. With V2L we could leave the gas cooker at home. #electrification (reposted)
Danny de Vreede2In narrow city streets bikes or ebikes are even more practical and affordable than "small" cars.
Morgan2The world is going to be saved by bikes and trains, not by car companies.
"The world is not going to be saved by big SUVs that are electric,” says Renault’s chief design officer" - looks like we've fixed things in less than 24 hours 😉 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Aarne Granlund15"E-bikes can replace vehicle trips in many cases, significantly reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion while contributing to more livable, accessible cities" How about designing bikes? #eBikes itdp.org/2025/03/04/e...
Lindsay 👩🔬🚲10Renault's got a habit of being really good and really bad at the same time. Motors using wound rotors, meaning no need for rare-earth permanent magnets and powerful regen that means you barely use the friction brakes? Good! Not telling owners the slip-ring brushes wear and need maintenance? Bad!
Ian Spencer 🐧10Typical EV does not need a centre console and does not need 5 seats*. So you can slice out 15-20cm out of a car width without impacting practically for 95% of users. Also, car reviewers are still fixated with storage and cupholders, cars as places to live. *Surely 5 seater is 1960s demographic?
Tara F4Oh thank god. When I finally get a car again I want one that's the size of my VW Polo that was my first car. Definitely not a big crossback. They're huge and unnecessary.
captainfrogbert.bsky.social2We drive SUV's because George Bush started the first gulf war in 1990, the media fetishized the new Humvee and the military, in general. Congress passed laws allowing "light trucks" to bypass fuel efficiency and safety regulations making gas-guzzling monsters cheaper to manufacture than sedans.
