Renault unveils revolutionary new electric vehicles priced from £7,500 - ‘No doubt about appeal’

Both models are aimed at addressing the challenges of moving people and goods in congested urban environments, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles and featuring a starting price of £7,500.

The Duo and Bento boast features tailored for urban use. At just 2.43 and 2.54 metres long respectively, these vehicles are fit to manoeuvre in city traffic and are easy to park.

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Both models are fitted with 10.3kWh lithium batteries and offer a generous range, with Duo capable of travelling up to 161km (100 miles) on a single charge and 149km (92 miles) for the Bento model.

Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize, said: "Responding to the challenges of mobility in and around cities, Duo and Bento reflect the vision of Mobilize: to bring retail and business customers mobility solutions that are safer, simpler, more eco-friendly and closely aligned with the major issues facing cities today."

The Duo is the first quadricycle to include a driver airbag as standard while the vehicles are natively connected, featuring a "MyDuo" mobile app that can generate up to six digital keys.

Matthieu Tenenbaum, COO of Mobilize, added: "Duo and Bento embody a bold and futuristic vision of urban mobility, with a design that transcends traditional automotive codes. Designed with more than 40 per cent recycled materials, these vehicles are part of an eco-friendly approach."

The environmental impact of Duo and Bento is also highlighted with over 40 per cent of the vehicles' materials being recycled, with the main body parts incorporating 60 per cent recycled polymers.

Meanwhile, the production process generates 66 per cent fewer greenhouse gases compared to A-segment electric vehicles with the end of their lifecycle for both models, being 95 per cent recyclable.

Benjamin Manceau, product leader for the Duo and Bento, noted that for young apprentices or students far from public transportation, the model is a “true tool of independence”.

“Its generous range and the need for fewer charges mean that students can enjoy their journeys without worrying about running out of power," he stated.

The launch of the vehicles marks a significant step towards more sustainable urban transport solutions. The model'sunique design, featuring elytra doors and a large glazed area, deliberately gives it a “futuristic appearance reminiscent of a space capsule”.

Benoit Abadie, VP of Engineering Projects at Mobilize, expressed confidence in the vehicle's appeal: "With its responsive electric powertrain and central driving position, Duo promises a unique driving experience.

“I have no doubt at all about its appeal; I can see drivers of conventional cars being won over by its robust design and comfort, while two-wheeler enthusiasts will go for its agility and safe, enclosed cabin."

Jean-Philippe Salar, Design Director at Mobilize explained that the Duo is “robust, simple and tech-centred" in design making it an attractive purchase point for drivers.

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He detailed: “With its futuristic lines and elytra doors, Duo looks like a space capsule on wheels. Inside the car, the boombox-inspired dashboard is also simple and robust. Duo and Bento deliver a mobile experience that is both memorable and fun.”