Renault is ready to give one of its most trusted SUVs a big twist. The Duster, which many know for its rugged looks and solid road presence, is all set to go electric. This move fits right into Renault’s larger goal of making cleaner, greener cars while not giving up what makes the Duster special.
The plan is clear. Globally, the Duster sells under the Dacia name, but in India, it stays proudly Renault. Reports suggest the Duster EV could hit international markets after 2027. For India, it might arrive soon after, depending on how fast our charging network grows and how people warm up to electric SUVs.
Built On A New Platform
The upcoming electric Duster won’t be just a quick makeover. It’ll be built on the CMF-BEV platform. That’s Renault’s EV-focused version of its CMF-B architecture — the same bones that hold up the petrol Duster. What’s smart is that this new base can handle different shapes and sizes, from small city hatchbacks to bigger family SUVs.
A standout feature of this platform is its support for a dual-motor setup. That means the Duster EV could get all-wheel drive. For a lot of buyers in India who love the Duster for its soft-roading charm, that’s great news. An electric SUV that can handle rough roads is exactly what could win hearts here.
ICE And EV To Run Together
Globally, the Duster EV will fight with future off-road electric SUVs like the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 and Toyota’s next-gen Land Cruiser EV. In India, there’s still no direct rival, but that will change as more brands bring EVs with some off-road muscle.
Till the Duster EV becomes a reality, Renault isn’t slowing down with petrol power either. The third-gen Duster, which launched worldwide late 2024, will keep rolling with updates. A hybrid version is also on the cards — a 4×4 that uses an electric motor on the rear axle. For India, this could be the bridge buyers need between pure petrol and full EVs. If all goes to plan, we’ll see the new ICE Duster here by early 2026.
Renault’s approach is smart. The ICE Duster will live on past 2030, running alongside the electric Duster. Just like Renault plans with the Clio and Renault 5 in Europe. This way, people who aren’t ready for full-electric yet can stick with petrol or hybrid, while those wanting to switch can pick the EV.
Keeping Costs In Check
Affordability has always been the Duster’s biggest plus point. Renault knows that, so they won’t mess with it. The Duster EV will share parts, production lines, and suppliers with its petrol siblings. This means lower production costs, fewer surprises for the supply chain, and better pricing for buyers.
Though Renault hasn’t confirmed if the Duster EV will roll out of the same Indian plants that build the petrol models, all signs point that way. It just makes sense. A shared factory means smoother rollouts, easier servicing, and better local support.
There’s no set date for the Duster EV’s India launch yet. But what’s clear is Renault wants to keep the Duster spirit alive — tough, affordable, and now ready for an electric future too. For SUV fans looking for a greener ride without giving up practicality, this might be worth the wait.