The Renault Group’s new mobility division, Mobilize, has revealed the production version of its Mobilize Duo. It is the spiritual successor to the round-town Twizy.
Actually, there are two newcomers; the Duo is a two-seater, while the Bento is a micro van with a 649L cargo box on the back. Renault says they aim at providing “mobility solutions in regions with limited public transport”. Mainly urban areas then.
Officially unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, the electric quadricycle competes with the likes of Citroën Ami. However, it gets the key appointments that you might expect in a regular size car.
It comes with Bluetooth and USB-C phone connectivity, air conditioning, a heated seat and an airbag. That’s more kit than similar sized Ami gets.
Moreover, it will be available as two distinct models, homologated to the L6e and L7e quadricycle regulations. The former can be driven in the EU without a full driving licence because it is limited to a top speed of 45km/h, just like the Ami. The L7e, however, can manage 80km/h. Both evidently go well, with a central driving position and “optimised suspension”.
They feature a 48V motor and it evidently provides “strong acceleration” up to town speeds. L6e quadricycles are legally limited to 6kW, while their L7e counterparts can generate as much as 15.7kW.
The NMC battery pack chimes in at 10.3kWh, enough for a range of up to 160km on the WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle) that’s used for quadricycles. Bento’s optimal range is around 150km.
Mobilize says it takes 3hr 50min to charge from 20-80 per cent on an AC connection and 3hr 25min on DC, suggesting a peak charging rate for the Duo of 3kW.
While the Duo may only be 2.43m long (Bento 2.54m) and 1.3m wide, it can still take two occupants, one behind the other, just like with Twizy. Its turning circle is a compact 6.80m.
The Duo’s butterfly doors open Lamborghini-style. They feature conventional windows for weather protection.
Duo treads lightly on the environment, with almost half its weight consisting of recycled materials. The vehicle itself is 95 per cent recyclable. Its front and the rear bumpers are the same, as are all indicators. Renault says Duo uses one-fifth as many parts as a regular car.
Mobilize will build the pair at a Morocco plant in Tangier that relies on energy primarily from renewables. Therefore, Duo emits roughly one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions of a small car over its lifetime.
Prices for the L6 version are likely to start at the Kiwi equivalent of $21k, with deliveries starting in Europe before mid 2025. Orders get underway soon.
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