Small European EVs Are Coming Back — Plus XPENG's Flagship SUV Hits Paris Streets
From the Mașina Timpului morning news clip: Twingo E-Tech is orderable in Romania, Citroën shows a cheap city 2CV concept, and XPENG launches the G9L with public NGP rides in Paris. Facts checked against official sources.
I posted the second NTK News episode on the Mașina Timpului channel: three stories that, taken together, point in the same direction. Europe is trying again at small, affordable EVs. At the same time, a Chinese brand is bringing a family SUV built in Europe and putting its driver assistance on real Paris streets. Below is what I covered in the video, with the hard numbers checked against official pages.
Renault Twingo E-Tech: now orderable in Romania
First item in the clip: the Twingo E-Tech electric is live in the "Renault Romania" configurator and can be ordered. List price starts at €19,590 (Evolution, including VAT), under the €20,000 entry point the industry has talked about for years. Techno starts at €21,240.
On paper it is a clear city car: 60 kW (80 hp) motor, 27.5 kWh LFP battery, up to 263 km (163 miles) WLTP. It seats four, and the rear row uses individual seats that slide about 17 cm, according to the configurator. DC fast charging at up to 50 kW comes with the optional Advanced Charge pack; AC charging is 6.6 kW as standard.
In the video I said I see the Twingo as Europe returning to an idea it used to own: a small car with character at a price people can actually discuss. I tied that to nostalgia for classic models Europe walked away from, while more Chinese city EVs fill the same gap. I already published a dedicated Romania-orders piece if you want the full list-price breakdown: Twingo E-Tech price in Romania.
Citroën 2CV Concept: electric, tiny, low target price
Second story from the Paris Motor Show. "Citroën" showed the 2 CV Concept, a modern take on the icon. The official "Stellantis Media" release is clear: 3.76 m long, built in Europe, target starting price of around €15,000, a production model promised by 2028, sitting between the Ami and the C3. Weight is aimed at about one tonne. Battery and motor figures are still missing.
In the clip I said this is exactly what I want from European brands: revive the small cars we grew up with, instead of only adding heavier SUVs. I mentioned Twingo, the 2CV, and — as a personal wish — a possible electric Renault 8. That last one is not an official announcement; it is my opinion from the video. If Europe wants to compete on price, it has to return to the format it invented.
More on the concept: Citroën 2CV electric concept for 2028.
XPENG G9L in Europe and NGP on Paris streets
Third piece is from the other end of the market: a flagship SUV. "XPENG" launched the G9L for Europe in Paris. French pricing starts at €74,990 (Germany lists from €74,600). The company quotes up to 591 km (367 miles) WLTP, an 800 V architecture, 10→80% in 11.7 minutes, and 6- or 7-seat layouts. European cars are built at Magna in Graz, Austria — XPENG's fourth model there after the G6, G9 and P7+.
Also in Paris, XPENG ran public NGP (VLA 2.0) test rides on real roads: roundabouts, narrow streets, messy right-of-way. In the video I said XPENG's software feels strong day to day, but the consumption display still has quirks I have noticed on the models I have driven. On the G9L itself, I said I am waiting to test one when it reaches me, so I can see how the range and charging numbers hold up on the road.
What it means for drivers
- If you want a small European EV now, Twingo E-Tech is already in Romania's configurator with a list price under €20,000. Check whether the 50 kW DC pack is included or optional on the quote you get.
- If you are waiting for something even cheaper, the 2CV is still a concept with a ~€15,000 target and series production in 2028 — not a car you order tomorrow.
- If you need a three-row family SUV with very fast charging, the G9L brings 800 V and 6/7 seats, plus Austrian production. NGP has been shown publicly in Paris, but local approvals will still decide when it is available where you live.
- In the clip I also push back on some European compact pricing that creeps toward what Tesla asks for a Model 3. That is a market observation, not a road test; check each model's list price before you sign.
Three headlines, one thread: Europe is trying again at small, decisive-money EVs, and Chinese competition answers with local production and software proven on European streets. The video is above; use the in-article links if you only want one story.
