This mini EV has recyclable materials, glass doors, and swappable batteries to avoid charge times - see more

Advertisement
This mini EV has recyclable materials, glass doors, and swappable batteries to avoid charge times - see more
  • Mobilize is a new EV and mobility brand from French automaker Renault.
  • The Mobilize EZ-1 is a mini EV prototype that's shareable and made from recycled materials.
  • Users would only pay when they use the car and a clever battery exchange system means the car can be used continuously.

A traditional automaker spinning off a new EV and mobility brand isn't a new move, and French automaker Renault is the latest to get in on the trend. "Mobilize" is a new mobility, energy, and data services brand within Renault, and its introduction comes with this adorable EZ-1 compact EV prototype.

Mobilize envisions users sharing the EZ-1 by only using and paying for it when needed. The little car fits two people, is only 7.5 feet long, and has top-to-bottom glass doors. It's also made from 50% recycled materials and has a battery exchange system to avoid traditional charging.

Keep reading to learn more about the cute prototype.

Advertisement

The Mobilize EZ-1 is a prototype mini EV from Renault's new EV and mobility brand, Mobilize.

The Mobilize EZ-1 is a prototype mini EV from Renault's new EV and mobility brand, Mobilize.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

It's a tiny, two-seater EV that's just 7.5 feet long.

It's a tiny, two-seater EV that's just 7.5 feet long.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

The EZ-1 is made with 50% recycled materials and Mobilize says it will be 95% recyclable at the end of its life.

The EZ-1 is made with 50% recycled materials and Mobilize says it will be 95% recyclable at the end of its life.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

The car is built based on ideas of eradicating waste materials and continuous resource-use.

The car is built based on ideas of eradicating waste materials and continuous resource-use.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

It has big, top-to-bottom glass doors that give occupants great outward visibility.

It has big, top-to-bottom glass doors that give occupants great outward visibility.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

Here's Mobilize design director, Patrick Lecharpy, standing next to it so you can get a feel of its size.

Here's Mobilize design director, Patrick Lecharpy, standing next to it so you can get a feel of its size.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype and Patrick Lecharpy, Mobilize Design director. Renault
Advertisement

But what's more is that Mobilize envisions the EZ-1 to be a shared vehicle.

But what's more is that Mobilize envisions the EZ-1 to be a shared vehicle.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

Users will only pay when they use the car.

Users will only pay when they use the car.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

The car won't have a key.

The car won't have a key.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

Instead, users can connect with it via their smartphones.

Instead, users can connect with it via their smartphones.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

The car's battery is also exchangeable.

The car's battery is also exchangeable.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

This means that the battery can be swapped out for a fresh one and would reduce the time that the vehicle can't be used because it's being charged.

This means that the battery can be swapped out for a fresh one and would reduce the time that the vehicle can't be used because it's being charged.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

Mobilize also wants to create a whole range of EVs that suit different needs.

Mobilize also wants to create a whole range of EVs that suit different needs.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault

Should the EZ-1 happen, it'll be a bit like the urban car-sharing programs in the US, however, it's unlikely that the EZ-1 will come here.

Should the EZ-1 happen, it'll be a bit like the urban car-sharing programs in the US, however, it's unlikely that the EZ-1 will come here.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault
Advertisement

Still, though: A shareable mini EV with a well-thought-out charging plan could benefit us all.

Still, though: A shareable mini EV with a well-thought-out charging plan could benefit us all.
Mobilize EZ 1 Prototype. Renault