Published : 29 October 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
The Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 uses a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), also known as Combined Automatic Transmission (CAT), that combines electric and petrol power to improve efficiency without requiring driver intervention. Unlike a conventional automatic gearbox or an e-CVT, Renault’s multi-mode transmission uses 2 electric gears and 4 petrol-engine gears to deliver different drive combinations.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.8L, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 1.4kWh, 247V battery, a high-voltage starter generator and a high-power traction motor. Together, these components deliver a maximum system output of 160PS. The traction motor produces 208Nm of torque. Renault claim a fuel efficiency of 29kmpl and a driving range of over 1,400km.
The Duster Strong Hybrid’s E-Tech 160 powertrain is built around 5 main components, each with a specific role.

The Renault Duster Strong Hybrid’s multi-mode automatic transmission, also known as a DHT or CAT, uses 2 electric gears (M1 and M2) and 4 petrol engine gears (E1, E2, E3 and E4). These gears allow the powertrain to drive the wheels using the electric motor, the petrol engine or a combination of both.
The system offers 13 driveline combinations. These comprise 2 electric-only options (M1 and M2), 3 petrol-only options (E2, E3 and E4) and 8 hybrid combinations created by pairing each electric gear with each petrol gear.
The Duster’s dog-clutch transmission does not have a conventional friction clutch to manage the engine’s power when pulling away from a standstill. A traditional clutch can slip progressively, allowing the engine to keep running while the car starts moving smoothly. A dog clutch uses interlocking metal teeth to establish a direct mechanical connection, so it cannot provide the same controlled slip.
Therefore, the electric traction motor handles every launch from 0kmph. Once moving, the petrol engine can also drive the wheels through the transmission.
The Duster’s hybrid system automatically selects from 6 operating modes. The driver does not need to switch between them manually.

The battery supplies power to the traction motor, which drives the wheels. The petrol engine remains switched off, allowing the Duster to move quietly and smoothly without consuming petrol while driving in this mode.
Renault claim electric-only driving for up to 80 percent of city driving time, depending on conditions.

During suitable steady-speed driving, the petrol engine powers the car while the electric motor rests. This mode allows the system to use the petrol engine during longer journeys when conditions favour engine-driven operation.

In smooth driving below 80kmph, the petrol engine runs a generator to produce electricity, while the traction motor drives the wheels. The engine therefore supplies energy without mechanically driving the wheels in this mode.
This arrangement allows the Duster to deliver an EV-like driving experience while the engine generates the electricity required to keep the car moving.

When more power is required, the petrol engine and electric motor can drive the wheels simultaneously. Their combined output provides stronger acceleration, which can be useful when overtaking or accelerating firmly.
When the battery needs additional charge, the petrol engine can run to generate electricity. Renault describe this mode as being available even when the vehicle is stopped at traffic signals, helping maintain the battery's charge for subsequent electric driving.
When the driver brakes or lifts off the accelerator, the electric motor recovers energy from the vehicle's motion and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery. This helps reduce energy wastage during deceleration.
The E-Tech 160 powertrain combines the output of its 1.8L petrol engine and electric motor to deliver a claimed maximum system output of 160PS.
The Duster Strong Hybrid's main advantage is its ability to combine electric driving in city traffic with engine-driven cruising and combined petrol-electric power when needed. Its multi-mode transmission manages these operating conditions automatically, aiming to balance performance, smoothness and fuel efficiency without requiring the driver to choose a particular hybrid mode.
Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Hybrid Launched At Rs. 16.99 Lakh
2026 Renault Duster – Variant-Wise Powertrain Options
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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