In the larger cities of developed countries, some areas are now closed off the cars as a way to remove congestion and also pollution. Efficient public transport systems bring people into these urban areas where they get off at specific points. Some may be lucky as their destination might be nearby, but there will also be others who may have to walk that ‘last kilometre’ to their office.
Various companies have worked on addressing this final mobility connection by coming out with small vehicles that are allowed to be used within the restricted areas. As they are electrically powered, they are pollution-free so air quality will not be affected.
Mobilize, Renault’s brand which focusses on mobility, has come up with a new micro vehicle called the Duo which provides convenient, appealing personal transport that even a 14-year old can use (in France). Measuring 2.43 metres long and 1.3 metres wide, the Duo can accommodate two people and occupy just one-third of a standard parking space.
The rugged style is in tune with the times to appeal to younger commuters. Its design is inspired by videogaming combined with a 1980s and 1990s vibe – including a boombox-like dashboard adding a hip-hop feel.
“The design of our vehicles and our services mirrors the Mobilize brand’s DNA. We draw inspiration from urban hallmarks to design objects that enable mobility and venture beyond traditional automotive conventions,” explained Patrick Lecharpy, VP Design, Mobilize. “With Mobilize, we are inventing an entirely new take on mobility centred around digital technology and revolving around the object itself. People will choose Mobilize for the experience: it offers sustainable and connected mobility, while being fun, convenient, robust and easy to use.”
The Duo’s bodywork – made of paint-free plastic (polypropylene) body panels – is anthracite-grey and orange. Some of its surfaces can be tailored to suit operators’ marking or covering requirements. There are 6 of these surfaces: the strip beneath the windscreen, the door handles and the C pillars.
The front and rear bumpers are identical to lower production and repair costs. The plastic grain on the bumpers and skirts is purpose-engineered to reduce signs of wear as time goes by and to make scratches invisible. Under the skin is a tubular structure and more than 50% of the vehicle is of recycled materials to make it 95% recyclable at the end of its life.
The two large side doors have windows and open upwards (not outwards) so users can always climb into and out of the car on the safe side and have no trouble doing so between two parked cars. This architecture is also safer for pedestrians and cyclists as the doors do not swing open onto the road or pavement.
Comfortable space for two
The interior, which can be washed, is functional but comfortable. The two seats in tandem are fully padded to provide the same postural comfort as a standard private car and come with a choice of two ultra-tough TEP upholstery styles.
The passenger compartment is designed to stand the test of time and can be entirely enclosed to shield the occupants. For people with reduced mobility, the Duo will be able to carry a folding wheelchair and can come with a kit to fit the controls on the steering wheel.
The driver’s seat slides 20 cm back or forth for easy access to the back seat which can comfortably accommodate a person who is 1.8 metres tall. The orange dashboard is simple and can be customised. It has a pop-culture touch in the form of boomboxes at the centre of street culture in the 1980s and 1990s.
An electric motor at the rear powers the wheels and propels the Duo up to speeds of 45 km/h or 80 km/h, depending on the driver’s qualification. The battery pack is good for a claimed 140 kms of travel before recharging is needed through a port at the front.
Bento micro-van
Mobilize will also offer a cargo version of the Duo called the Bento. This variant will be available in 2024, one year after the Duo goes on sale.
It looks similar but is designed for professional customers who need a compact all-electric vehicle for last-kilometre services. It has a closed boot at the back instead of the passenger seat, providing a storage volume of almost 700 litres. A hatch also makes it possible to carry long objects on the driver’s right-hand side.
