Whereas the unique Renault Twizy launched in 2012 might 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 automobile from Mobilize, Renault’s new mobility firm that was established to not solely supply inexpensive automobiles just like the Duo but in addition providers 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 area. The size 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 automobile has additionally been developed with sustainability in thoughts, that includes 50% recycled supplies in its building, and 95% of its elements might be recycled, in line with the corporate.

The Duo contains 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 might be pushed in some nations with out a license, and one other whose high pace is 50 mph, making it acceptable for sure roads exterior the town atmosphere. The vary is estimated at 87 miles on a cost.

Entry to the cabin comes through Lamborghini-style scissor doorways. The motive 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 aspect of the driving force seat to suit two cabin luggage.

The sprint contains a single display screen 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 may function the automobile’s key, which can make car-sharing a breeze.

Whereas there is no plan to supply the Duo within the U.S., it is going to be made accessible on subscription or long-term leases elsewhere beginning in late 2023. A cargo model, dubbed the Bento, will probably be added beginning in 2024. It replaces the rear seat with a storage field. Mobilize can be investigating a smaller, single-seat automobile on three wheels with an idea referred to as the Solo.