Domino’s Pizza Swindon Adds Two Renault Twizys to Delivery Fleet
Domino’s Pizza in Swindon has ordered two Renault Twizy electric vehicles, aiming to cut running costs and attract attention with the compact EVs on local deliveries.
Domino’s Pizza’s Swindon franchise has taken delivery of two Renault Twizy electric vehicles, adding the compact EVs to its local delivery fleet in early 2013. The move is aimed at reducing operating costs and raising the brand’s profile on Swindon’s streets. The decision reflects a growing interest among small businesses in alternative-fuel vehicles for urban delivery work, especially as cities become more congested and environmental concerns grow.
Domino’s Swindon Adds Renault Twizy to Delivery Fleet
About the Renault Twizy
The Renault Twizy, introduced to the UK market in 2012, is a two-seat, fully electric quadricycle intended for short journeys within towns and cities. With compact dimensions, 2.32 metres long, 1.19 metres wide, and 1.46 metres tall, the Twizy is particularly well suited to dense urban environments. Its small size makes it easy to manoeuvre through traffic and find parking even in the busiest areas, while its weight of just 450 kg allows for efficient use of its electric drivetrain.
| Length | 2.32 metres |
|---|---|
| Width | 1.19 metres |
| Height | 1.46 metres |
| Weight | 450 kg |
| Power (Twizy 45) | 5 HP, 33 Nm torque, top speed 45 km/h |
| Power (Twizy 80) | up to 80 km/h |
| Seating | 2 |
| Starting Price (Europe) | Just under €7,000 |
Why Domino’s Chose the Twizy
The Swindon Domino’s franchise selected the Twizy for its low running costs and suitability for short, frequent trips in urban areas. The electric drivetrain eliminates fuel expenses and reduces maintenance compared to petrol-powered vehicles. For a delivery business operating within a compact town, the Twizy’s limited range and speed are less of a disadvantage, as most deliveries are local and do not require long-distance travel.
Another factor in the Twizy’s favour is its distinctive appearance. Its unconventional design stands out on the road and at customers’ doors, providing a marketing boost for the Domino’s brand in Swindon. The franchise anticipated that the vehicles would help attract attention and reinforce the company’s reputation for doing things differently. The Twizy’s compactness also makes parking at customers’ homes or in busy town centres much easier than with a conventional car, further streamlining the delivery process.
Electric Vehicles in Urban Delivery
In 2013, electric vehicles were still a relatively niche choice for commercial fleets in the UK. However, small businesses like Domino’s in Swindon saw potential advantages in adopting EVs for local delivery. Cost savings from lower fuel and maintenance expenses could add up over time, especially for companies making many short trips each day. Additionally, using electric vehicles allowed businesses to present a greener image to environmentally conscious customers, aligning with broader trends in sustainability.
The Renault Twizy, while not a mass-market success, found a role in specialist applications such as urban delivery. Its minimal emissions and low noise make it a practical solution for businesses operating in town centres, where environmental regulations and public expectations are becoming more stringent. For Domino’s Swindon, the Twizy’s combination of low cost, zero-emissions running, and distinctive looks provided a compelling package for their delivery needs.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its advantages, the Twizy is not without drawbacks. Its limited range and speed restrict it to short, local deliveries, making it unsuitable for franchises serving wider areas. The two-seat configuration also limits the volume of goods that can be transported at one time. However, for businesses focused on urban centres, these limitations are less significant, as most deliveries are made within a few miles of the store.
The Twizy’s sales performance in the UK and Europe has generally been modest, and it is often cited as one of Renault’s less successful models in terms of volume. Nonetheless, each sale to a business like Domino’s demonstrates the potential for electric vehicles in niche urban applications, where their unique characteristics can be fully utilised.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Greener Urban Delivery
Domino’s Pizza Swindon’s adoption of the Renault Twizy highlights the potential for small electric vehicles in urban delivery roles. While the Twizy may not suit every business, its low running costs, easy manoeuvrability, and distinctive design make it a practical and attention-grabbing choice for city-based operations. As electric vehicle technology advances and urban areas continue to seek cleaner transport solutions, examples like this may become increasingly common across the UK and beyond.
