IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich will be a coming-out party of sorts for Mobilize, the joint venture created by Renault Group and Jiangling Motors Group Co., Ltd. (JMCG) in 2018. The mobility services company will reveal the Limo, its fully electric four-door sedan designed for taxis, private hire vehicles, and fleet use. It will be available exclusively via a subscription service with all-inclusive mobility-solutions packages.

The car is set to be unveiled on the Renault stand as part of the special day dedicated to Mobilize on September 8th. A fleet of 40 Mobilize Limos will then be deployed to validate the services it will offer throughout Europe starting in the second half of 2022.

“The first Mobilize model, Limo, is the new brand’s response to the evolution of the ride-hailing market,” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO of Mobilize. “This offer, which combines a vehicle and flexible services, fully illustrates Mobilize’s ability to the changing needs of vehicle users. It also demonstrates unique know-how resulting from the experience of the Renault Group in mobility services and RCI Bank and Services’ strength in financing.”

In July, RCI Bank and Services, Renault’s captive financing arm, acquired Spain-based Bipi, whose multi-brand platform specializes in car subscriptions—with operations in Spain, France, and Italy.

According to Mobilize, throughout Europe, the ride-hailing market (taxis and private hire) is booming, set to grow from €28 billion today to €50 billion by 2030. It also says that the market will experience a fast increase in electrification, with electric models soon becoming essential for those wishing to access city centers facing traffic restrictions such as with the low-emissions zones that are being introduced across Europe.

In addition, private drivers primarily operate in urban and suburban areas. For example, of the 47,500 private hire vehicles registered in France, 75% of them are in Paris and the greater Paris area, according to 2020 figures from Stacian.

The new service combines both the vehicle and services for drivers of taxis, private hires, and other private services such as medical and community transport. Mobilize will offer packages for full-time, part-time, or one-off drivers. Casual drivers will have access to a pay-as-you-drive solution, while Mobilize packages will also include services such as manufacturer-backed warranties, maintenance, insurance, and charging solutions. Such all-inclusive, competitive packages serve to give commercial operators peace of mind.

Mobilize rental agreements managed by RCI Bank and Services will include flexible mileage and contract durations. For fleet operators running taxi or private-hire services, Mobilize will leverage its network of startup partners to offer a complete solution for their activity—fleet dispatching, payment, vehicle charging, connectivity—to optimize the total cost of operations and operational excellence. And the services will also be available for other Renault Group EVs.

The Limo is engineered for operators/drivers looking for premium emissions-free vehicles that are cheap to run. The car is 4.67 m (184 in) long, 1.83 m (72 in) wide, and 1.47 m (58 in) tall, making it close in size to traditional D-segment vehicles.

It is only available in black, grey, or white. While intended for low-cost durability, its flowing profile has distinctive flush door handles that pop out when the vehicle unlocks and “signature” lighting and scrolling indicators.

Inside is soft-touch leather-effect upholstery that’s easy to clean, door panels with light strips, and seven ambient lighting options. The dashboard features a digital interface reaching across the upper section with a 10.25-in screen for the instruments. A 12.3-in touchscreen in the center for multimedia and navigation controls allows for smartphone mirroring, as most drivers use their own devices for navigating and accessing platforms such as Uber.

A Limo app for drivers provides all the car’s information and can be used to remotely access the car’s location and certain features such as locking/unlocking the doors, setting the climate, and schedule charging times.

“Limo’s electric motor is its number one asset,” said Gilles Normand, Mobilize Vehicle Director. “It makes it ideal for use in cities, where ride-hailing is very popular. Its range of more than 280 miles offers drivers one or even two full days of work without recharging.”

The car’s electric motor delivers 110 kW and 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time in a leisurely 9.6 s and a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h). There are three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and three regenerative braking levels.

That 280-mi (450-km) range—pending WLTP certification—is provided by a 60-kW·h liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Mobilize says that’s enough to cover the 150-mi (241-km) average daily distance driven by most professionals, with plenty of remaining charge for those drivers that cover more ground with intensive use.

The Limo is compatible with the most common types of AC and DC charging systems, connecting to all public charging stations, home wall-box setups, and regular power outlets. With fast charging, the battery can be charged to around 150 mi in 40 min.

Above all, Limo’s design is centered around services and maximum usage, guided by the goal of giving drivers and passengers comfort and practicality. For professional drivers, the driver’s seat features eight electric seat settings, the steering column is adjustable for both height and depth, and there is a refrigerated storage compartment between the front seats. In some markets, a Winter Pack includes heated seats and steering wheel.

The 2.75 m (108 in) long wheelbase provides easy access for rear-seat passengers, with plenty of knee room, a flat floor, and wide-opening rear doors. Three adult passengers in the rear can plug in their smartphone or tablet into one of two USB ports. They have access to volume control, adjustable air vents, and reading lights. The truck has a capacity of 411 L (14.5 ft³) to fit large suitcases.

The car is intended to be city-friendly with an 11.2-m (36.7-ft) turning circle. A Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system, which warns pedestrians and people in other vehicles of the car’s presence, is always active at speeds under 19 mph (30 km/h) when in Drive.