How Europe's EV makers shrank their product to challenge the bloated SUVs

Europe’s EV makers are shrinking vehicle sizes to challenge the dominance of ever-bigger electric SUVs and better fit narrow European streets. Renault’s new Twingo E-Tech is highlighted as a city-focused model priced from €19,490 in France, with a UK launch expected next year at about £18,000. The shift is attributed to improved battery technology and lower manufacturing costs. The article notes that road transport accounts for roughly a fifth of EU emissions and that moving from a small petrol hatchback to a larger electric SUV can mean a “two steps forward, one step back” effect due to manufacturing and energy impacts. Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker argues small EVs are key to adoption. Competitive pressure includes Chinese rivals and models such as the Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot E-208, Mini Cooper Electric, Fiat 500e, Volkswagen ID. Polo, and quadricycles like Citroën Ami.