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Most of the booths at the EICMA Expo in Milan were understandably dedicated to motorcycles and motorcycle gear, but we found one standout in a Renault-backed automotive company, Mobilize.
Mobilize is bringing a pair of affordable electric vehicles to the market that flip the concept of the automobile on its head. Right out of the gate, they look like movie props with bulky plastic designs and doors that open vertically.
That’s a shock to the visual senses, but these vehicles are more than just their good looks. In a day and age where things only seem to be getting more and more expensive, that’s a complete game-changer for many.
Making affordable electric vehicles is something established automotive companies have struggled to do. They’ve gotten so accustomed to calling a €35,000 or €25,000 car affordable when they are little more than their previous vehicles with different innards.
Renault has really taken a step outside the box with Mobilize, with designs, styling, sizes, and pricing that all defy the establishment.
The Mobilize Duo starts with the Duo 45 Neo (spec sheet) which is more affordable and comes with a lower top speed to accommodate younger drivers. They also offer the Mobilize Duo 80 Evo (spec sheet) which is the higher speed version with a top speed of 80 kph.
With a maximum speed of 45 kph / 72 mph, it can be driven by people as young as 14 years old with just a provisional license. In Italy, a €3,000 EV purchase incentive slashes the already affordable €10,000 purchase price to an extremely affordable €7,000.
Finally, the Mobilize Bento 80 is the last mile delivery style cargo vehicle with a similar 80 kph speed limit. Its compact yet functional design makes it ideal for urban deliveries where parking and even moving through traffic is easier in smaller vehicles.
All three of Mobilize’s vehicles offer airbags, digital keys, and steering wheels straight from Renault’s deep bench of automotive components from its other vehicles.
When it comes time to charge, Mobilize has no plans to offer a rooftop solar panel in order to keep the vehicle lightweight simple and efficient. They do offer 220 volt charging and their very own Mobilize power box, which is configurable up to 22 kW which is the standard three-phase AC EV charging speed in Europe.
Regulations for what vehicles can be driven by people of different ages vary country to country, as do incentives, so check your local laws and incentives before purchasing. It’s really exciting to see Mobilize pushing into and creating such a neat segment of the market with these new offerings.
Mobilize is currently only selling vehicles in Italy, France, and Spain, though that is likely to change in the future. Being one of Renault’s brands, expect distribution to expand to other countries where Renault has distribution today.
For more information about the Mobilize Duo or Bento head over to the official website.
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