Groupe Renault’s latest business unit Mobilize will provide mobility, energy and data related services for sustainable transportation, and build its own vehicles starting with the EZ-1 Prototype, a purpose-designed vehicle for urban mobility.

Mobilize targets customers who wish to adopt more sustainable, shared forms of mobility. Mobilize addresses new needs and promotes sustainable energy ecosystems, in line with Groupe Renault’s target of carbon neutrality and its ambition to develop value from the circular economy. It offers new ways of transporting people and goods, either with or without a car. The new mobility offers are expected to meet the expectations of end customers, companies, cities, and regional authorities.

It helps foster partnerships and brand-new open ecosystems that bring significant advantages in timing and scaling-up, while also helping to solve the major challenges faced by the automotive industry.

Mobilize aims to reduce the gap between car usage and cost as cars are currently left unused 90% of the time. It aims to improve residual value to prevent the value of new vehicles from falling by over 50% after 3 years and also contribute to a greener future with a zero CO₂ footprint target.

“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 maximise car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO, Mobilize Brand.

Mobilize has strong competitive advantages as it enters the mobility market leveraging Groupe Renault’s expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing, and EV-leadership, as per the statement. Mobilize benefits from dedicated engineering and design teams and will offer a range of purpose-designed vehicles for a variety of uses.   

EZ-1 Prototype is a new urban mobility solution that is designed for shared use. As such, it will be commercialised in an innovative way where users will only pay for what they use, in terms of drive-time or mileage, according to the press release. The vehicle is connected; it comes with keyless access and interacts with users via their smartphone.

Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is a compact and agile electric vehicle for 2 people. At just 2.3 metres in length, the vehicle has city-friendly dimensions. Top-to-bottom glass doors provide users an unhindered view on the surrounding urban landscape.

It features an innovative battery exchange system, which sets it apart from other electric vehicles. This alternative to the traditional charging infrastructure means the vehicle can be used non-stop.

Most importantly, Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is made of 50% recycled materials, it will be 95% recyclable at the end of its life cycle.  

“Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is a mobility device that will blend in with the city. Agile, dynamic and inclusive, it is emblematic of the new Mobilize brand. It accompanies users in their lifestyle change towards more efficient and responsible mobility,” said Patrick Lecharpy, Mobilize Design director.