Renault has always had a soft spot for the Duster. It’s the SUV that made rough roads feel easy and gave budget buyers a taste of adventure without burning holes in pockets. Now, the Renault Duster EV is about to add a new page to this story. This time, it’s all about ditching fuel pumps and plugging into sockets.
Platform Power
The upcoming Renault Duster EV will sit on the CMF-BEV platform. Sounds technical, but here’s the gist — this base is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi teamwork. They’ve figured out how to take the regular CMF-B (which already works fine for the petrol Duster) and tweak it for electric guts. The same bones, but this time wired up with batteries and motors instead of pistons and exhausts.
One cool thing is the confirmation of a dual-motor setup. That means there’s a good chance for a true 4×4 Duster EV. Imagine the same go-anywhere attitude but whisper-quiet and with instant torque pushing all four wheels. For folks who love to drive up muddy trails or bumpy roads, this keeps the Duster’s tough badge real.
ICE Version Lives On
What’s interesting is Renault doesn’t plan to ditch the petrol Duster immediately. The internal combustion version will roll alongside the electric one, at least till the next decade turns. That’s smart because not everyone can switch to electric overnight, especially where charging spots are still rare.
In India, the new third-gen Duster is already cooking. It’s expected early 2026. Before the full EV, there’s talk of a hybrid version with an electrified rear axle, making it an all-wheel drive too. For Indian buyers who want to dip their toes in EV life but still want a backup petrol tank, this hybrid makes sense.
Possible Competition
Globally, the Duster EV will have to lock horns with stuff like the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 and Toyota’s teased Land Cruiser EV. Both brands carry weight, but the Duster has always played the value card better. If Renault prices the electric version right, it could beat the fancy names, especially in countries like India where price tags rule decisions.
Local Plans
Cost is king here, and Renault knows it. They haven’t shouted out the production plan yet, but chances are they’ll stick to what’s worked — using the same lines, parts bins, and suppliers for both petrol and electric Dusters. That means lower costs, more local sourcing, and a competitive price that keeps the SUV in reach for regular buyers.
When Will It Arrive?
Don’t expect it tomorrow. Current hints say the Renault Duster EV will first break cover internationally after 2027. India will likely see it later, depending on how many people are ready to buy an electric 4×4 by then. In the meantime, the petrol Duster keeps doing its job, with a new hybrid cousin joining the gang soon.
Keeping The Spirit Alive
At the end of the day, Renault knows why people love the Duster. It’s no-nonsense, hardy, and doesn’t cost a fortune to own or fix. Bringing in an EV without messing with that recipe is going to be tricky. But if Renault pulls it off, they’ll have an SUV that can crawl up rocky hills on battery power, tackle city potholes in silence, and cost way less than fancy imported EVs.
The Duster started as a simple, honest SUV for people who wanted freedom without fuss. The Renault Duster EV promises to keep that freedom alive, just in a cleaner, quieter way. For Indian buyers dreaming of an affordable electric SUV that doesn’t look soft or get scared of bad roads, this might be worth waiting for.