Renault starts production and sales of its subcompact electric cars Mobilize Duo and Bento in France. We will recall that the Renault group founded the subsidiary brand Mobilize specifically for services for "new mobility" - leasing, car sharing and car subscription.
The new model has kept the shape and design of the Twizy. The electric Mobilize Duo has a two-seater interior. There is no trunk as such, you can put things on the platforms on either side of the driver's seat. The body has a tubular frame with polypropylene outer panels. Duo is 40% made from recycled materials and up to 95% of the parts and components can be recycled later. The new model is 90 mm longer and 60 mm wider than the Twizy: 2,430 mm and 1,300 mm respectively.
The Twizy's main shortcomings have been fixed here: the new model has full glass doors, electric windscreen heating, keyless entry and a driver's airbag as standard. The car is fitted with steel wheels with narrow tires of size 145/80 R13, as an option decorative caps are also available. The front panel is made in the form of an old cassette player, has the simplest display, transmission control buttons, a USB connector and a stand for a smartphone.
Like the Twizy, the new Mobilize Duo comes in two versions, both rear-wheel drive. The base version of the Duo 45 Neo in France can be driven by teenagers from the age of 14, so the electric motor produces the maximum power allowed for this type of vehicle of 8 hp, and the top speed is limited to 45 km/h . The version for "adults" The Duo 80 has a 10 horsepower engine and can reach 80 km/h. Both modifications are equipped with a traction battery with a capacity of 10.3 kWh, which should be sufficient for a 160 km range.
The second model is the Mobilize Bento and is a delivery van based on the Duo that has a 649-litre cargo compartment isolated from the cabin instead of a rear seat. The Bento is slightly longer than the base car (2.54 m), only available with a 10 hp engine. and has a lower mileage (149 km).
In France, the base model Mobilize Duo 45 Neo costs €9,090. The more powerful Duo 80 costs from 10,700 euros. The production of the Mobilize Duo/Bento family is organized in Morocco - at the same Renault plant that produces the "Bento" Renault Express and the Dacia Sandero hatchback.