Member Article

Twizy success marks a milestone for Sevcon

Electric vehicle component maker Sevcon is making further inroads into the automotive sector on the strength of its key role in the development of Renault’s eye-catching Twizy.

The range of controllers developed and manufactured by Gateshead-based Sevcon are key components in a range of electric vehicles used mainly in the off-road, industrial sector

In recent years it has targeted the emerging electric vehicle market and after a lengthy and exacting selection process was chosen as key partner by the French automotive giant.

The Twizy has exceeded Renault’s expectations since its launch this spring and Sevcon’s recently-acquired, branded model has been turning heads on the roads around its Team Valley headquarters.

Matt Boyle, president and chief executive officer of Sevcon said: “This is a major milestone for us and we are working hard to secure the foundations the Twizy has helped us establish in the on-road electric vehicle market.”

He explained that it took over three-years and a substantial financial commitment to get the final go-ahead from Renault.

“After getting initial approval it then took a further two years developing the software and meeting Renault’s exacting quality standards

“We needed to develop bespoke software and hired four engineers on the strength of the contract. Our Polish partner spent millions of pounds re-equipping the manufacturing factory to achieve Renault’s exacting standards.”

Over 5,000 Twizys have been sold since its launch in the spring, with Germany being the most eager consumer and there is speculation Renault could ramp up production further.

The Twizy is a two-seater vehicle designed for urban driving. It’s a quadricycle rather than a car with a top speed of 50mph. It is exempt from road tax and has a range is 62 miles.

Sevcon’s Gen4 controller is used to vary the speed and movement of vehicles. It integrates specialised functions, and helps optimise the battery’s energy consumption.

Boyle continued: “With a top speed of 50mph it’s a nifty little motor. The other day I overtook a lorry on the main road through the Team Valley and the driver looked at me like he’d seen a ghost.”

He added: “We continue to work with several UK headquartered and global brands

“This includes working with high end manufacturers on specialist technology which we see eventually making its way into the mass-produced vehicle market in much the same way that fuel injection and ABS (anti-lock braking systems) have.

“We see great potential in the on-road electric vehicle market going forward.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Peter McCusker .