Renault has cancelled its Mobilize Duo electric city car before it even reached UK showrooms. The French automaker scrapped the tiny two-seater as part of a major restructure that’s shutting down key parts of its Mobilize operations.
The Duo was supposed to be the successor to Renault’s quirky Twizy quadricycle.
The Mobilize Duo passenger vehicle and its Bento cargo variant were unveiled in 2023 as all-electric quadricycles designed to compete with the Citroen Ami and Silence “nanocar.” Both models were classified as light electric vehicles that don’t require a full driving license in many European markets.
They were scheduled to launch in the UK this year through direct sales and car sharing services.
Mobilize Beyond Automotive Shuts Down
Renault’s decision stems from the complete closure of its Mobilize Beyond Automotive programme. The company is folding some elements into existing Renault services while eliminating others entirely.
Mobilize Beyond Automotive launched in 2021 to handle services outside Renault’s traditional car and van business. The division managed urban mobility solutions, car subscription services, public charging infrastructure, payment systems, and financial services.
Renault said it’s discontinuing some Mobilize Beyond Automotive activities “either because they have limited profitability prospects or because they do not directly serve the Group’s strategic priorities.”
The casualties include the Duo project and Mobilize’s Zity car-sharing service, which currently operates in Madrid and Milan. The Milan operation ends immediately – Madrid will phase out by 2026.
What’s Staying
Not everything from Mobilize is disappearing. Renault will continue operating several services under its main brand:
- The expanding fast charger network
- Mobilize Charge Pass subscription service
- Access to tens of thousands of public chargers across Europe
Renault defended the closure by saying Mobilize Beyond Automotive had “fulfilled its role as an incubator and innovation driver.” The company claimed the division strengthened expertise in new areas and helped identify high-potential opportunities while “discontinuing less relevant paths.”
The Duo’s cancellation marks another setback for the microcar segment in Europe. These ultra-compact electric vehicles have struggled to find mainstream acceptance despite their appeal for urban commuting and parking advantages.
Renault hasn’t announced any direct replacement for the cancelled Duo or indicated whether it might revive the project under different circumstances.
