Renault is planning to launch its popular SUV, the NuDuster, in India. This car is already on sale in global markets. Most notably, the NuDuster will be launched in both ICE (internal combustion engine) and electric versions. According to a report by Autocar UK, the Duster will also receive a fully electric powertrain option. Dacia CEO Denis Levot has stated that the Renault Duster EV, sold under the Dacia brand in European markets, will be available “over time,” which matches a report from April.
Electric Duster
With plans to phase out ICE vehicles in the UK and European markets by 2035, Dacia is focusing on expanding its electric lineup. Currently, the brand’s only electric car is the Spring EV, but the company plans to introduce EV powertrains for all models, including the Bigster.
The Duster EV will use the same CMF-BEV platform that underpins the Renault 5 and 4 crossovers. This architecture is an electric-optimized version of the CMF-B platform of the current petrol-powered Duster, and it will form the basis of all of Dacia’s upcoming electric cars.
All current cars based on the CMF-BEV platform are front-axle-driven, so there was uncertainty about whether this architecture could accommodate a second rear motor. However, Renault recently revealed a 4×4 concept version, believed to be a preview of a production version, which adds a powered rear axle to enhance the crossover’s off-roading capabilities. The Duster will be the second Dacia model from its current lineup to convert to electric. The first will be the Sandero hatchback, which will receive an EV option with the next-generation model arriving in 2027.
Major Design and Dimension Changes
The new Renault Duster will feature some design and feature changes compared to the Dacia Duster. These changes are clearly visible in the front fascia. For example, the Renault Duster uses the original radiator grille. Its diamond-shaped logo has been replaced with bold ‘RENAULT’ text.
The Dacia Duster and Renault Duster are almost identical in size. The Renault Duster measures 4,343mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,658mm. Ground clearance for both Dacia and Renault versions ranges from 209mm to 217mm, making them ideal for off-roading.