First Look

Renault’s ride-hailing play gathers pace

Renault is not the first brand that comes to mind as a taxi provider – it’s been some years since it last offered cars such as the Espace MPV and Laguna saloon that did a job for the private hire sector.

But the company has for a long time been interested in the mobility sector, having invested in technology products such as Dublin-based dispatch systems provider iCabbi, and rescuing ride-hailing platform Karhoo after its initial failure. It also struck a deal with Uber for the supply of electric cars at discounted prices.

While it has so far done little to interfere with these businesses, or seek ways to integrate their offerings in any way, Renault chose the recent Munich Motor Show to reveal another, more traditional product aimed at the taxi market.

It’s called the Mobilize Limo, and it is a new car designed especially for mobility companies, such as ride-hailing and taxi services. The new, all-electric saloon has been developed by Mobilize, Renault’s car-sharing sub-brand.

And you won’t be able to buy a Mobilize Limo -it will only be available through a subscription service. It also appears that the cars, which will be built in China, will not come in right-hand drive – so this particular car won’t come to the UK. But given the size and importance of the private hire and ride-hailing sector in the UK, it is likely that Mobilize-branded vehicles – possibly MPV-shaped – will be targeted at these shores.

A joint Renault-Mercedes platform will replace current Renault Kangoo and Mercedes-Benz Citan vans, and will result in a new electric MPV range for Renault as well as the new MercedesBenz EQT model, expected in 2022.

The Mobilize Limo is powered by a 60kWh lithium ion battery pack, giving it a claimed range of 279 miles per charge on the WLTP cycle. The sedan has a 150hp (110Kw) single electric motor that offers 220Nm of torque and gives a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds, though as the car is aimed at urban use, top speed is limited to 87mph.

It is capable of charging on both AC and DC systems, and fast charging can add 155 miles of range in around 40 minutes. Tech features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane change assist, pedestrian collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.

Inside, the dashboard is all digital, with a 10.25in instrument panel and a 12.3in infotainment screen. The Munich show car had a couple of luxury touches, including a refrigerator between the two front seats.

Mobilize Limo is 4.67m long, 1.83m wide, and 1.47m tall, with a 2.75m wheelbase, making it close in size to traditional D-segment vehicles.

It only comes in three colours: metallic black, metallic grey and white. Features, include flush door handles that pop out when the vehicle unlocks, LED headlamps, scrolling indicators and 17in smoke-finish alloy wheels.

Mobilize says the Limo can comfortably fit three adults on its rear bench seat, with 288mm of knee-room. There are two USB ports in the rear of the vehicle, as well as a removable middle arm rest that includes two cup holders. Mobilize Limo has a large boot with a 411 litres of loading capacity.

Seats are upholstered with a soft-touch satinfinish TEP leather effect material that’s also easy to clean. The door panels feature a light strip with faux-metal inserts, with seven ambient lighting options.

Launch will be in the second half of 2022, but before then, a fleet of 40 cars will begin testing on the streets of a number of European cities.

Renault sees the European ride-hailing market as a growth opportunity, with a value of €€28 billion today, which is likely to almost double to €50bn by 2030. And electric models are becoming essential for those wishing to access city centres facing traffic restrictions such as the low emissions zones (LEZ) that are being introduced across the continent.

The subscription service will be managed by RCI Bank and Services. Mobilize rental agreements will include flexible mileage and contract durations. For fleet operators running taxi or PHV services, Mobilize will leverage its network of start-up partner companies to offer a complete solution for their activity (fleet dispatching, payment, vehicle charging, connectivity).

Casual drivers will have access to a pay-asyou-drive solution, while Mobilize packages will also include services such as manufacturerbacked warrantees, maintenance, insurance, and access to charging networks.