The legendary Renault Duster SUV is now being turned into an electric vehicle. Recently, Denis Le Vot, CEO of Dacia, said that an all-electric Duster was on the way and would become part of the company's new range of electric vehicles. Although the model will be introduced as a Dacia model in Europe, it is likely to form part of the long-term strategy of the company to sell Duster EV as a Renault across the world, including India. It is constructed on the CMF-BEV Platform and has the Potential of All-Wheel Drive.
Duster EV will be based on the CMF-BEV architecture, which also became the basis of the new Renault 5 and 4 electric crossovers. It can be described as an electric version of the CMF-B platform, which is utilised in the current ICE-powered Duster.
It will be interesting to note that the platform allows the installation of electric motors on both sides, so there is a chance of a 4x4 model, which is a necessary step to preserve the off-road image of the Duster.
Recently, Renault displayed a 4x4 concept of the Renault 4, proving with this example that the platform can also be utilised in two-motor configurations. That is a strong indication that the AWD option will also be available in the Duster EV, making it the only electric SUV under 10 Lakh that will have that option.
India Launch Under Consideration with Heavy Localisation
Europe is eagerly anticipating taking in the Duster EV after the Sandero EV, which is why it might present the Duster EV after 2027, but India has a chance to receive its version even earlier, as the next-gen Duster is supposed to launch in the first semester of 2026.
Based on earlier reports, Renault has already commenced a local partnership with Indian cellmakers to make the Duster EV with a competitive price tag.
In the larger scheme of things, the brand will introduce a hybrid Duster in a year after the release of the petrol version and the EV, depending on localisation strategies.
Conclusion
With the introduction of new models, including Duster EV, Renault and Dacia enter their strongest phase, aiming at a fully electric product line-up to 2035 in Europe. In the case of India, its introduction may signify a new audacious phase in the compact electric SUV segment.
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