In the larger cities of developed countries, some areas are now closed off the cars as a way to remove congestion and also pollution. Efficient public transport systems bring people into these urban areas where they get off at specific points. Some may be lucky as their destination might be nearby, but there will also be others who may have to walk that ‘last kilometre’ to their office.
Various companies have worked on addressing this final mobility connection by coming out with small vehicles that are allowed to be used within the restricted areas. As they are electrically powered, they are pollution-free so air quality will not be affected.
Mobilize, Renault’s brand which focusses on mobility, has come up with a new micro vehicle called the Duo which provides convenient, appealing personal transport that even a 14-year old can use (in France). Measuring 2.43 metres long and 1.3 metres wide, the Duo can accommodate two people and occupy just one-third of a standard parking space.
Mobilize, the young brand within Renault Group, was conceived with the aim of going ‘beyond automotive’ to offer services related to mobility, energy and data. Its business will be based on sustainable open ecosystems, in line with the group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and its ambition to develop the value of the circular economy.
“Our goal is to maximize car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO of Mobilize.
One of the first results from this new brand is the Mobilize Limo, an all-electric sedan with associated services for the ride-hailing industry. It is the fruit of the joint venture between the Renault Group and China’s Jiangling Motors Group in 2018.
Only offered through subscription plan
The Limo, to be unveiled at the Munich IAA Mobility 2021 event next week, will be available solely on subscription. It is a response to the evolution of the ride-hailing market that has been growing in many parts of the world in the past few years. As the ride-hailing market will experience a fast and widespread increase in electrification in Europe, in particular, electric models will soon become essential for those wishing to access city centres facing traffic restrictions such as the low emissions zones that are popping up Europe-wide.
Mobilize Limo is therefore the solution for drivers looking for emission-free vehicles that are prestigious and cheap to run. It will be marketed as a joint offer combining both the car and services, with packages for everyone be they full-time, part-time, or one-off drivers.
Close to D-segment size
The Limo measures 4.67 metres in length and 1.83 metres in width, and a 2.75-metre wheelbase. This places it close to a D-segment model. It has a modern design that reflects the transition to electric vehicles and will be available in three popular body colours.
Advanced features include flush door handles that unfold when unlocked, and LED lamps with a sophisticated lighting signature and scrolling indicators. Inside, the Limo has satin-finish TEP (leather effect) upholstery that is soft to the touch and easy to clean. The interior door panels feature a light strip and faux-metal inserts for a premium ambience, while the interior lights come in 7 different colours to customise the lighting mood.
The dashboard, which has decorative carbonfibre inserts, incorporates a 2-screen digital interface that spreads across the upper section. The 10.25-inch screen is for the instrument panel and the 12.3-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard is for multimedia controls.
Designed for professional drivers
The driver’s seat in the Limo is designed to give professional drivers the most ergonomically and acoustically comfortable seat possible, taking into account the long periods they will be in the car. It has 8 electric settings (4 on the front passenger side), and the steering column can also be adjusted for both height and depth, so drivers have the ideal position no matter their body type. A refrigerated storage compartment is located between the two front seats.
The wide-opening rear doors give passengers easy access to the back seat. The rear bench seat can comfortably fit three adult passengers, especially given the flat floor. The removeable middle armrest also includes two cup holders, and passengers can plug in their smartphone or tablets into USB ports. They also have easy access to the volume control knobs located in the back, as well as the adjustable air-vents and booklights.
The Limo is powered by a high-performance electric motor that can generate 110 kW (150 hp) with immediately available torque of 220 Nm. If in a hurry, the car can go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 9.6 seconds and cruise up to a top speed set to 140 km/h. The 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is said to be able to provide enough energy for a range of up to 450 kms. That is deemed enough to cover the average daily milage of most professionals (250 kms/day) for a whole day of intensive use, with plenty of remaining charge for those drivers used to covering more ground. With fast charging, the battery can gain 250 kms of range in 40 minutes.
The auto industry is going through change, not only in the way its products are powered – electricity replacing fossil fuel – but even in the way it will do business in future. Where a carmaker just developed, designed and manufactured cars, its role is now expanding to services beyond cars. It has to offer new ways for people and goods to move around, either with or without a car.
‘Mobility’ is the catchword, and encompasses many different facets of transportation which the auto industry has long served with motor vehicles. A number of companies have even rebranded themselves as ‘mobility services’ companies rather than just car companies and at Groupe Renault, there’s a new business unit called Mobilize. It brings together activities in mobility, energy, and data-related solutions, while also helping to solve the major challenges faced by the automotive industry.
“We are very excited to embrace the disruption of the automotive world shifting from ownership to usage, whenever and wherever you need it. Beyond automotive, Mobilize will offer a wide array of innovative services in the mobility, energy and data fields. With a variety of partners, our goal is to maximize car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact,” explained Clotilde Delbos, CEO of the Mobilize Brand.
Mobilize will offer flexible mobility services for people and goods, adapted to evolving expectations and needs. It will address real-life issues and provide seamless solutions that are complementary to traditional models of car ownership. By promoting higher usage of goods through circular and sharing economies, Mobilize aims to help create a more sustainable future.
Existing infrastructure
There already exists an infrastructure of more than 6,000 Renault dealerships in Europe which, Mobilize can involve in its mission. Through this network, it will be able to offer mobility solutions for use, ranging from one minute to several years, in cities and towns throughout the region.
Purpose-designed vehicles
Mobilize has strong competitive advantages as it enters the mobility market leveraging Groupe Renault’s expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing, and EV-leadership. It can call on dedicated engineering and design teams and will propose a range of purpose-designed vehicles. Intended for heavy use, modular, robust and 100% electric, they will fulfil the most critical needs of new mobility: car sharing, ride-hailing, last mile delivery and on-demand transit.
Increased car usage
Mobilize leverages the Renault Software Factory, the Software Republique and partners to develop leading-edge algorithms and data processing software, allowing better prediction of user-side demand and better vehicle allocation. Mobilize aims to increase the rate of car use by at least 20%.
Maintenance and recycling services
When vehicles are no longer fit for use, they will be taken care of by maintenance and recycling services at the Renault Re-Factory. When batteries of electric vehicles are no longer fit for automotive use, Mobilize will recycle them, giving them a second life as a stationary energy source.
The Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype
The EZ-1 Prototype is an emblematic vehicle of the Mobilize brand. It embodies the brand’s design vision: service at the heart of vehicle design. This prototype is a new urban mobility solution that is designed for shared use. Users will only pay for what they use, in terms of drive-time or mileage. The vehicle is connected and has keyless access, and interacts with users via their smartphone.
The compact electric vehicle can accommodate 2 people within its 2.3-metre long body that creates a minimal footprint. Top-to-bottom glass doors give the EZ-1 Prototype users an unhindered view on the surrounding urban landscape which it can blend into.
Features include an innovative battery exchange system, an alternative to the traditional charging infrastructure means the vehicle can be used non-stop. It is built according to circular economy principles., made with 50% recycled materials. It will be 95% recyclable at the end of its life cycle thanks to the Flins Re-Factory.