Renault Twizy lives on because the Mobilize Duo

Whereas the unique Renault Twizy launched in 2012 could have been a bit forward of its time, the automobile’s successor unveiled this week comes at a time when some cities are extra crowded than ever and vitality prices are hovering.

The successor is named the Duo, and it is the newest car from Mobilize, Renault’s new mobility firm that was established to not solely provide reasonably priced automobiles just like the Duo but in addition companies associated to automobile sharing and EV charging.

Just like the Twizy, the Duo seats two in tandem place and is sufficiently small that three of them can slot in a single parking house. The scale embrace a size of simply over 95 inches and a width of about 51 inches.

The Duo is constructed round a tubular construction and options hardy plastic physique panels with a floor grain that helps cut back the indicators of damage and tear, Mobilize mentioned. The car has additionally been developed with sustainability in thoughts, that includes 50% recycled supplies in its building, and 95% of its elements could be recycled, in accordance with the corporate.

The Duo incorporates a single electrical motor on the rear that powers the rear wheels. There are two variations, one whose high pace is proscribed to twenty-eight mph and thus could be pushed in some international locations and not using a license, and one other whose high pace is 50 mph, making it acceptable for sure roads exterior the town surroundings. The vary is estimated at 87 miles on a cost.

Entry to the cabin comes through Lamborghini-style scissor doorways. The driving force seat slides ahead to offer entry to the rear, the place somebody as much as 5-foot-11 can match, and there are two storage compartments on both facet of the driving force seat to suit two cabin luggage.

The sprint incorporates a single display and a few controls all grouped right into a single block with a design impressed by previous boomboxes. Connecting a smartphone offers options like music and navigation, and the smartphone also can function the car’s key, which is able to make car-sharing a breeze.

Whereas there is not any plan to supply the Duo within the U.S., will probably be made obtainable on subscription or long-term leases elsewhere beginning in late 2023. A cargo model, dubbed the Bento, will likely be added beginning in 2024. It replaces the rear seat with a storage field. Mobilize can be investigating a smaller, single-seat car on three wheels with an idea referred to as the Solo.