Electric car sharing schemes have been given a major boost following the creation of a new partnership between Renault and Bolloré. The letter of intent recently signed by the two groups addresses potential improvements in three key areas: the implementation of new car sharing solutions, increased production of Bluecars, and the development of a new 3-seater EV.
The French investment group Bolloré has supplied Autolib’, Paris's car-sharing service, with Bluecar electric vehicles ever since its launch in 2011 – and now the partnership with Renault is set to extend the initiative within and beyond the French capital.
Autolib’ is the world's largest electric car sharing programme, involving 55 municipalities in the Paris area, and this success has enabled Bolloré to attract interest from numerous cities around the world. One key objective of the partnership with Renault is to found a joint venture capable of implementing new projects internationally. In the immediate future, Renault may play a role in the new contracts won by Bolloré in Lyon and Bordeaux.
With demand for car sharing growing worldwide, Bolloré must also increase production of its zero-emission Bluecar vehicle – and this is another area where Renault could offer its help and expertise. The two companies are currently investigating the possibility of transferring key production processes to Renault's plant in Dieppe, which would supply components for the existing 4-seater EV and a new convertible model to be launched next June.
Finally, the two groups are hoping to collaborate on a project to develop and produce a 3-seater electric vehicle with a 20kWh battery and an autonomy of more than 200km (124 miles). Research shows that around 75% of Autolib’ rentals involve three passengers or less, so the planned vehicle would easily cover the needs of most users.
Read the full press release here