Renault stops selling electric cars after a few months on the market

The niche for small electric city cars is growing because many people want something simple for short journeys.

Renault has been in this class before with Twizy, and its successor came with a new name and a new plan.

Mobilise Duo was to be a more practical proposition. The cabin was closed to avoid rain and wind, and the range was stated at over 150 kilometers for daily city trips.

The equipment was also upgraded with an airbag, making the package feel more complete than many of its competitors.

At the same time, the numbers indicated that the demand was there. The Citroën Ami, for example, was launched in 2020 and has since sold 85,000 units.

This has created an expectation of price and simplicity in the class, making the space for new models both tempting and difficult to break into.

The strategy was changed before the car was ready

That’s why Renault’s decision to discontinue sales of the Mobilise Duo, just a few months after the model was launched at dealerships this spring, is so remarkable.

The decision is part of a major reorganization, and LesNumeriques.com reports that the Mobilise Beyond Automotive unit will disappear.

François Provost has taken over as CEO of the Renault Group and does not plan to give the project another try.

Already during the first weeks of sales, the internal assessment was that Duo would not be profitable.

Thus, a vehicle with clear improvements over Twizy disappeared before it had time to find its audience.

Price and practicality became a stumbling block

Part of the explanation lies in everyday use. The Duo had two seats in tandem, so the passenger sat behind the driver.

This gave it a special look, but it also made getting in and out more difficult, and the car felt less obvious as a quick everyday solution.

The price didn’t help either. the 45 km/h version started at 9,990 euros, or approximately 74,600 Danish kroner.

The faster 80 km/h version cost 12,500 euros, or approximately 93,400 Danish kroner.

In comparison, the Citroën Ami starts at 8,190 euros, which is approximately 61,200 Danish kroner.