Responding to the daily challenge of moving people and goods in and around cities, Mobilize is reaffirming its commitment to simple, safe and sustainable mobility solutions. Designed for urban use, Duo is an electric quadricycle, and Bento, its utility version. Both vehicles can also provide mobility solutions in regions with limited public transport.
Duo and Bento are aimed at both retail and business customers. Duo is a two-seater vehicle and can be driven with or without a licence, depending on the version and local regulations. Bento is a micro van requiring a driving licence. Instead of a passenger seat, it has a 649-litre cargo box for carrying small items of equipment and other goods.
Duo and Bento are compact (2.43 and 2.54 metres long respectively) and easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. Their small footprint makes them easy to park.
With their central driving position and optimised suspension, Duo and Bento deliver a unique driving experience. They ship as standard with a driver airbag, a first in the quadricycle segment. Both vehicles have a generous range – up to 161 km for Duo and 149 km for Bento – so do not require frequent charging.
Duo and Bento break with the classic cues of automotive design. Their large glazed area and elytra doors give them the look of a futuristic space capsule. Designed to be eco-responsible, Duo and Bento both include over 40% of recycled materials and are 95% recyclable.
Duo and Bento are natively connected. They have their own ‘MyDuo’ mobile app, which can be used to generate up to six digital keys, a first for Renault Group.
Unveiled in their definitive livery at the Paris Motor Show, Duo and Bento will be available through the Renault network.
“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.”
Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize
REINVENTING MOBILITY
“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% recycled materials, these vehicles are part of an eco-friendly approach. Like a smartphone, they are simple, smart, and connected. Tailored for the city, they stand out for their safety, exceptional agility, and low footprint.”
Matthieu Tenenbaum, COO of Mobilize
Duo is a quadricycle of strong, customisable design with a small footprint. It is also fun to drive, even without a licence. Alongside the sense of freedom and enjoyment generally associated with two-wheelers, Duo delivers the comfort of a real cabin, with air conditioning, and a heated driver’s seat and windscreen. For a more relaxing ride, drivers can stream their choice of music from a phone using Bluetooth connectivity. The dashboard is also equipped with a USB-C socket and a phone holder.
OPTIMISED FOR THE CITY
Designed for the city, Duo embraces urban codes and sidesteps the constraints. A vehicle 2.43 metres long and 1.30 metres wide, its footprint is half that of a conventional city car, so it takes up less space in the cities and is also easier to park, saving users precious time.
Duo is also highly compact, with the seats positioned in tandem. Where permitted, three Duos can be parked side by side in a space no bigger than a conventional parking slot. A turning circle of just 6.80 metres makes for exceptional agility.
A LIVELY DRIVE
At the cutting edge of technology, the proven 48V electric motor is taken from the advanced mild hybrid powertrain of Renault Austral. It delivers strong acceleration, allowing Duo to slip in and out of urban traffic easily.
RANGE AND CHARGING
The 10.3 kWh (usable capacity) NMC battery corresponds to a single module in the battery pack of Renault 5 E-Tech electric. This gives Duo a range of up to 161 km based on the WMTC standard for quadricycle homologation (149 km for Bento). As a result, the range will be well in excess of 100 km for most drivers, even in winter. Duo also recovers energy when the driver releases the pedal, thereby limiting power consumption.
For recharging, Duo features a standard plug in its front hood for domestic connections* or, optionally, a Type 2 plug suitable for most public or company charging points. Duo recovers 25 km of range from a simple domestic socket in just one hour, the time to have lunch. Charging from 20% to 80%, i.e. around 120 km, takes 3 hrs 50 from a domestic socket, and 3 hrs 25 with a Type 2 socket.
*depending on the countries
“For young apprentices or students far from public transportation, Duo 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.”
Benjamin Manceau, Product Leader, Mobilize Duo & Bento
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Duo is very much part of a sustainable approach. It is an electric vehicle with no CO2 exhaust emissions1. It is also eco-friendly in its choice of materials. Materials from the circular economy make up over 40% of vehicle weight: twice the usual figure for conventional electric vehicles. The production of Duo’s parts and components generates 66% fewer greenhouse gases than for an A-segment electric vehicle.
The main body parts, such as the bumpers, wings and wheel arches, include 60% of recycled polymers. Half of these are automotive plastics from end-of-life vehicles, recycled in a closed loop in partnership with The Future Is NEUTRAL, the Renault Group subsidiary specialising in the automotive circular economy. At the end of its service life, the vehicle will be at least 95% recyclable2.
Duo’s commitment to an eco-friendlier approach extends to its assembly process at the Tangiers plant, which is ISO 14001 certified. Tangiers is implementing a low-carbon plan, with 90% of its energy needs covered by renewable sources.
1 excluding wear parts, in compliance with the homologation cycle (WMTC)
2 calculated on the basis of Directive 2005/64 EC
FEWER PARTS
Considerable efforts have been made to limit the number of parts required by Duo, in order to cut the cost of production and repair during its service life. The front and rear bumpers are identical, as are the rocker panels, which can be fitted on either the right or left. Further, Duo has only one indicator reference, regardless of the position on the vehicle. Overall, it uses five times fewer parts than a conventional car, which also simplifies stock management for after-sales.
SAFETY FEATURES
Duo combines the driving pleasure of a two-wheeler and the agility of a quadricycle with the type of safety features normally found on conventional cars. It is the only quadricycle on the market to ship with an airbag. The safety belts include a force limiter at the front.
Fireman Access is a system exclusive to Renault Group, found on all its electric vehicles. It saves fire fighters precious time in the event of an accident.
SUPERIOR COMFORT
Duo has made comfort a priority. The main starting point for this is onboard climate comfort, with a heated driver’s seat and windscreen in winter, and manual air conditioning to cool the cabin in the summer.
In terms of the suspension layout, the wide tracks allowed optimised positioning of the shock absorbers for exceptional ride comfort, particularly at the low frequencies caused by the speed bumps found everywhere in modern cities.
“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.”
Benoit Abadie, VP, Engineering Projects, Mobilize
A GIANT CARGO BOX FOR BENTO
Bento features an adaptable cargo box of 649 litres, equivalent to two city car boots!
With a useful volume of almost 1m3, Bento is ideal for providing services in and around cities, meeting the increasingly stringent requirements on environmental performance and congestion.
The cargo box adapts to all conceivable layouts and a wide range of business requirements: repairs, maintenance, personal services or on-demand deliveries.
VEHICLES DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE
Mobilize set out to rethink mobility with electric vehicles that are unique in their approach. The range is simple yet designed to meet the needs and expectations of both retail and business users.
Duo and Bento ship as standard with a driver airbag and comfort features such as keyless entry, a phone holder, a USB-C connector and a heated windscreen. Each model in the range is sure to find its target audience.
RETAIL CUSTOMERS
- Duo 45 Neo: The ideal vehicle for users without a driving licence
Duo 45 Neo is a reliable mobility solution for users without a driving licence, and can be driven by a minor (of 14 and over in France, with an AM licence).
As well as providing younger users with an independent means of travel, Duo 45 Neo is designed to reassure parents with its 45 km/h speed limit, standard airbag, and driver’s seatbelt with force limiters.
Duo 45 Neo is also easy to handle and practical in situations where public transport and/or shared mobility services are scarce or lacking completely, as may be the case in rural areas, for example.
- Duo 80 Evo: Eye-catching looks and an outstanding driving experience
With a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a range of 160 km, Duo 80 Evo is designed for users with a driving licence, looking for a vehicle that is compact, comfortable and original, either for their own use or as a second household car.
Duo 80 Evo design will appeal to anybody looking for something out of the ordinary. It also delivers a unique experience on the road, with the central driving position. The cabin is designed for comfort, with a Bluetooth kit and premium upholstery as standard.
BUSINESS USERS
- Duo 80 Pro: Shared mobility made easy for business users
Duo 80 Pro is ideal for businesses and shared mobility operators. With its customisable options and native connectivity, it can be easily integrated into fleet management solutions. Mobilize also provides a range of functions including Smart Sharing, Geofencing and Battery Charge Inhibition.
Further, with its compact footprint (2.43 metres long) and robust materials, Duo 80 Pro is built for the city and the intense wear and tear of urban life. At the same time, it makes no compromises on the comfort and safety of users, be they company employees or car-sharers.
- Bento 80: The microvan designed for the city
Bento 80 was designed for local service providers and the self-employed. It ships with a closed adaptable cargo box of 649 litres, with a load capacity of almost 1m3, ideal for jobs involving the transport of small items of equipment or other goods.
Compact (2.54 metres long) and agile with an electric motor, it is able to access all city centres. At the same time, the range of 149 km is sufficient for daily working requirements.
With its unique design and customisable features, including the box, Bento 80 is an original billboard on wheels for business users who want to stand out from the crowd.
HEAD-TURNING LOOKS
THREE KEY ASPECTS OF DESIGN
Simple, robust and tech-centred are the key words that best describe the design of Duo and its utility version Bento. Simple, because the vehicle is easy to take in hand. Robust for its durability in demanding urban environments. And tech-centred for its futuristic design taking its inspiration beyond the automotive world, and for its native connectivity.
ELYTRA DOORS
The elytra doors make a powerful visual statement, as well as providing real added value in urban use. The vertical opening allows the driver and passengers to exit easily, without danger to other road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians. Further, as the driver and passenger are seated one behind the other, they can exit either on the left or right. This appealing versatility in use is one of the priorities of Duo.
“We wanted a vehicle of unique looks, breaking with conventional automotive cues. Duo is robust, simple and tech-centred in design. 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.”
Jean-Philippe Salar, Design Director, Mobilize
UNPAINTED SURFACES AND DECALS
In keeping with this simple approach, the bodywork is unpainted, but features a two-tone effect with self-coloured black plastic and decals. In this way, business customers can customise their vehicles to suit, or to apply their corporate colours.
The unpainted bumpers and rocker panels feature a ‘Camo’ grain (for camouflage) finish. Designed for durability and intensive use, mainly in urban areas, this grained finish ‘camouflages’ the minor knocks of everyday life.
AN INTERIOR THAT IS STURDY, FUNCTIONAL… AND SURPRISING!
In perfect harmony with the exterior, the distinctive interior design gains a dashboard in the shape of a ‘boombox’, a mobile audio system associated with the urban music of the 80s, such as hip-hop. It features decals matching the exterior bodywork.
The controls are deliberately basic, allowing users to take the vehicle in hand easily as part of a fully intuitive approach. Screen and connectivity functions are provided by the driver’s smartphone using a Bluetooth or USB-C connection.
A transducer installed between the ‘boombox’ and windscreen transforms the passenger compartment into a giant loudspeaker, delivering all-round sound without the need for speakers.
The tandem seats are upholstered in TEP fabric that can be washed down with a sponge or even a hose, with a plug under the pedals allowing the water to drain away.
The many storage spaces have a total capacity of 300 litres. This is exceptional given the size of the cabin.
“While the elytra doors are a nod to legendary sports cars, the overall design approach distances itself from traditional automotive cues to create a window on the world. The exposed structure of the door brings to mind the dome of the ISS (International Space Station), offering an exceptional view of the outside world.”
Eric Diemert, Design Project Director, Mobilize
NATIVE CONNECTIVITY: SIMPLE, INTUITIVE ACCESS TO SERVICES
MYDUO APP
Designed to make the vehicle easy to use and handle, connectivity on Duo is native, simple and 100% useful. Inseparable from the driver’s phone, Duo’s services are grouped in the MyDuo app (compatible with Android and iOS).
The deployment of services starts as soon as the vehicle is ordered, ensuring traceability through to delivery. The process continues with the digital key, replacing the user badge, which is nevertheless still provided. The key works with a phone to lock and unlock the vehicle. This digital key can be shared with up to six other users of the app in just a few clicks. A totally secure system for sharing Duo with family and friends. The owner is always in control: they can activate and deactivate the digital keys whenever they want, and set a period of availability.
Duplicating data from the dashboard (boombox), the app provides real-time information on the charge level and remaining range. It geolocates the vehicle and also contains the user manual.
“MyDuo sets new ground rules for family use with the app and digital key: Duo can be shared at the touch of a fingertip, meeting the needs of ultra-connected households. Several users can drive the car, one after the other, without managing a physical key. They can check the charge status of Duo and even see where the last user parked it.”
Pierre Houlès – Chief Technology Officer, Mobilize
SERVICES FOR BUSINESS USERS
For business users, be they mobility operators, fleet managers or self-employed, Mobilize takes advantage of the vehicle’s native connectivity to develop a number of services for optimisation. Duo and Bento can be easily integrated into fleet management tools, or use the Fleet Management tools also provided by Mobilize.
- Smart Sharing is a service for car-sharing operators and fleet managers. It is an app that allows users to reserve a vehicle, locate it and receive a digital key.
- Geofencing is a service defining the geographical area within which a vehicle is authorised to travel. If the vehicle goes beyond the boundaries, the vehicle administrator receives an alert.
- Battery Charge Inhibition is a remote tool that allows the vehicle administrator to prevent charging, so that the vehicle can be immobilised in complete safety in the event of incorrect use.
“Duo and Bento are ready to be shared without any additional equipment. They have sufficient range for a day’s work and can be customised as required. They meet the needs of companies wishing to optimise their vehicle fleet with no trade-off in the comfort and safety of their employees.”
Benjamin Manceau, Product Leader, Mobilize Duo & Bento
PRICES, STANDARD AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
In France, Duo is available for purchase starting at €9,090, eco-bonus of €900 deducted, or on a contract hire starting at €29 per month for 37 months with a down payment of €2,990 reduced to €2,090 after deduction of the eco-bonus.
Bento starts at €10,000 excluding tax, after deduction of the €900 eco-bonus. Bento is the only electric quadricycle certified as a commercial vehicle, which makes it eligible for VAT recovery in France.
Both vehicles are available with various financing solutions and associated services.
Duo and Bento are marketed through the Renault distribution network and benefit from brand expertise in sales and after-sales.
|
|
Duo 45 Neo |
Duo 80 Evo |
Duo 80 Pro |
Bento 80 |
|
Driving licence |
AM licence |
A1/B1 licence |
A1/B1 licence |
A1/B1 licence |
|
Keyless entry |
y | y | y | y |
|
Driver airbag |
y | y | y | y |
|
Orange dashboard |
y |
y |
o |
o |
|
Bluetooth kit |
o |
y |
o |
o |
|
USB-C connector |
y |
y |
y |
y |
|
Phone holder |
y |
y |
y |
y |
|
Heated driver’s seat |
o |
y |
o |
o |
|
Heated windscreen |
y |
y |
y |
y |
|
Comfort seats with premium upholstery |
y |
y |
o |
o |
|
Air conditioning |
o |
o |
o |
o |
|
Rear parking sensors |
o |
o |
o |
o |
|
Mode 3, type 2 socket |
o |
o |
o |
o |
|
“Iconic Orange” colour pack |
o |
y |
o |
o |
|
Colour pack (other colours) |
o |
o |
o |
o |
|
Prices from (France) |
€9,090 |
€11,600 |
€10,700 |
€10,000, excl. VAT |
y: yes, standard o: optional
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
In terms of regulations, Duo and Bento fall into the quadricycle category, between conventional cars and two-wheelers.
Quadricycles are divided into two sub-categories: L6 (light quadricycles) and L7 (heavy quadricycles). Mobilize Duo L6 has a speed limit of 45 km/h and can be driven in some countries, including France, from the age of 14 with just an AM licence. The L7 version, however, can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and requires a B licence or at least a 125-cc motorcycle licence.
Even though the quadricycle regulations are less stringent in terms of mandatory safety equipment, Mobilize has chosen to equip Duo and Bento with an airbag as standard.
The WMTC homologation requirements applicable to quadricycles set a very low weight limit, i.e. 425 kg maximum (excluding the battery) for L6 and 450 kg maximum for L7.
Given that each of the two vehicles is subject to a different set of regulations specified by the registration document, it is forbidden to turn an L6 into an L7 by increasing the level of power.