Nissan’s Renault Twingo offshoot to be called Wave

Renault and Nissan are leveraging their alliance to share development and production synergies for their electric models. For example, the Nissan Ariya and Renault Scenic E-Tech are technically related, both using the group’s “AmpR Medium” platform. Production, however, remains separate, with Renault building its model in France and Nissan in Japan.

The alliance went a step further with the R5 E-Tech Electric and Nissan Micra. These two small EVs differ mainly in design and equipment but roll off the same production line at the Douai plant in northern France.

In 2026, the partners will expand their model offensive into the smaller segment. That year, Renault will relaunch the Twingo as a modern interpretation of the 1990s original. The all-electric city car aims to appeal not only with its familiar round headlights but also with an entry price below €20,000.

For Nissan, which has been struggling with weak sales, a low-cost electric entry model is much needed. The company will therefore release its own version of the Twingo. Both vehicles will share technology and be produced at Renault’s Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia. While the fourth-generation Twingo is set for a spring 2026 debut, the Nissan equivalent is expected in early 2027.

The smallest electric Nissan will reportedly be called Wave, as French trade magazine L’argus claims to have learned from company sources. Wave is new to Nissan’s line-up – only a special luxury trim of the Micra once carried it as a suffix.

Until recently, speculation pointed to another name. On 6 August, it emerged that Nissan had renewed trademark rights for “Pixo” – once used on a small car derived from the Suzuki Alto. This led to rumours earlier this month that Nissan might reuse the Pixo name for its upcoming city EV.

To keep costs down, Renault has partnered with Chinese car giant Geely for the development of the new Twingo. The fourth generation will use the group’s “AmpR Small” architecture, while its 63 kW motor will also come from China.

The battery, around 30 kWh in capacity, will be supplied by CATL. Renault says the pack should enable a range of up to 300 kilometres. Even cheaper than the Renault and Nissan twins will be a Dacia derivative, also based on the same platform and due to launch in 2027.

This article was first published by Elias Holdenried for electrive’s German edition.