Renault launches Mobilize - an EV brand with its own charging infrastructure

Renault is pinning high hopes on its new fully independent division, it wants Mobilize to be responsible for 30% of its turnover by 2030. That’s a huge goal and a little time to achieve it, but the company has clever ideas on how to get there.

It all starts with its own network of charging stations or rather fast-charging hubs. No later than mid-2024 Mobilize will have at least 200 fast-charging locations across France, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Initially, the hubs will be located at existing Renault dealerships that are within 5 minutes from a highway. Each fast-charging hub will have six 100kW chargers, it will be open for business 24/7 and will resemble a waiting lounge more than a charging station.

The Mobilize hub will provide coffee and snacks, a comfortable rest area and Internet connection. Interesting solution is the use of old, recycled batteries to provide additional energy storage and help with keeping the charging speeds consistent during peak hours. Integrated solar panels will not only power the station itself, but will provide enough electricity to reduce strain on the grid. Charging will be available to all EV owners, not just the Mobilize cars.

The brand will also introduce two vehicles for its launch. The Mobilize Duo is a larger and updated version of the Renault Twizy, with the same tandem seating setup but with much more room inside this time around. Three Mobilize Duos parked next to each other fit neatly into one standard car parking space. The new scissor doors will help with getting in and out of the car in tight spaces.

The interior is basic, but it has all the necessities - there is a phone holder, USB-C charger, Bluetooth is built-in and the car has OTA update support. The top speed can be restricted to 45km/h (28mph) to comply with EU quadricycle regulations, that way the Duo can be driven without a car driving license.

Without the restriction, the car tops out at 80km/h (50mph) and has a 140km (87miles) driving range; it takes 3 hours to add 100km of range when charging at home from a standard 220V socket.

Unfortunately, you cannot buy the Mobilize Duo. This is where the third pillar of the new business model comes into play - subscriptions. The car can be rented for whenever it is needed, for as little as a few minutes and for as long as three months. The new service will be available through the Mobilize app and web-based portal, where apart from renting, servicing can be arranged as well.

The options available in this new service indicate clearly who is its intended customer. You can order the car with your own company branded body panels as well as with a 700-liter cargo box instead of the rear seat. That one-seat version is called the Bento. Both versions of the car are expected to deliver a reliable lifespan in excess of 10 years and upon the end of their service will be recycled.

Mobilize Duo will have a smaller sibling. The Mobilize Solo is, just as the name suggests, a single-person electric car designed for short-distance urban mobility. Thanks to its clever design, it is easy to maneuver and is as nimble as an electric scooter with obviously much improved safety and comfort. Solo weighs only 80 kg and its top speed is capped at 25 km/h or 16 mph. Solo has a neat trick up its sleeve - it can charge wirelessly.

Final piece of the ambitious new business is the portable charging station. Offering enough room for two Solos or Duos and shelter from the weather, the chargers can be deployed at any location at short notice. This solution will cater for events, exhibitions but it can be used for electric fleet management as well since it offers a ready-made charging solution requiring only to be plugged in to be deployed.

Brave new world, brave new solutions. Mobilize is clearly designed to solve city transport issues by offering an easy to manage fleet of simple electric cars, without lengthy commitments and with charging stations available exactly where they are needed the most. It offers a great solution for courier and delivery companies but at the same time, if affordable, it can be a great idea for individuals as well. It all now depends on the pricing which will be crucial, let’s hope Renault and Mobilize get this bit right.

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