Mobilize Duo: the heir to the Twizy challenges electric microcars starting with Fiat Topolino and Citroen Ami

A distinctive design characterises the Mobiliza Duo, the 2.43 m long two-seater electric quadricycle 100 that can already be ordered. Its dimensions are designed specifically for the city and the formula has also been declined in a commercial vehicle version, christened Bento, which boasts a load capacity of 649 litres.
It has the task of replacing the Renault Twizy, of which it recalls something of the styling, challenging the electric microcars already on the market, from the Citroën Ami to Fiat Topolino to Microlino via Nanocar Silence S04.

Mobilize, a brand of the Renault group dedicated to new forms of mobility, has unveiled Duo, an interesting and curious object that, especially in large cities, could be quite popular, but has to watch out for other competitors already on the market. Duo is 2.43 metres long, 1.30 metres wide and can carry up to two people on board. The central driver's seat allows a good view, which is needed in urban areas. In addition, it has an airbag for the driver as standard. The styling is characterised by large glass surfaces and helipad doors, which take on the air of a futuristic space capsule. Designed with an eco-responsible approach, both Duo and Bento are made from more than 40 per cent recycled materials and, in turn, are 95 per cent recyclable. In addition, the French engineers have done substantial work to reduce the number of components; for example, the front and rear bumpers are identical, as are the fairings, which can be mounted either left or right.

Being electric, the first question that arises is with respect to autonomy. Mobilize has claimed up to 161 kilometres for the Due and up to 149 for the Bento. The 48-volt electric motor is derived from the mild hybrid powertrain used on the Renault Austral and is powered by a 10.3 kWh battery (nickel manganese cobalt) that corresponds to one module of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric battery pack. For recharging, the cable can be pulled directly from the bonnet with a standard domestic charging socket or, as an option, the Duo can be recharged with a Mode 3 cable with a Type 2 socket. In about an hour, Duo regains 25 km of range by plugging into a simple household socket. To recharge from 20 to 80 per cent, i.e. gain about 120 km, it takes three hours and 50 minutes with a domestic socket or three hours and 25 minutes with a Type 2 socket.

Despite being a quadricycle, Duo has some on-board comforts such as a heated windscreen and driver's seat in winter and manual climate control to cool the cabin in summer. Being born in 2024, Duo and Bento also boast a good level of digitisation. With the 'MyDuo' app they can, in particular, generate up to six digital keys, a first for the Renault group. Smartphone support and a Type C USB socket are also available.

The Duo range for private individuals includes two solutions: Duo 45 from around EUR 10,000, a quadricycle designed for mobility from 14 years of age (with AM licence) with a speed limited to 45 km/h and airbag as standard, in addition to the driver's seat belt equipped with a pre-tensioner with load limiter. The Duo 80 Evo is weighted for B1 licence holders and reaches a speed of 80 km/h. The list price is 12,500 euro. While for professional operators the Duo 80 Pro is priced at 11,600 euro and is useful for integration into company fleets or car sharing services. Finally, for craftsmen and professional operators the Bento 80 has been designed with a list price starting at 12,900 euro.