Renault and the Bolloré Group, which operates Paris’ EV-sharing service Autolib’ (yes, that’s the same company that accused BMW of spying), have signed a letter of intent to study the joint development of car-sharing solutions and “the implementation of industrial and commercial cooperation agreements in the field of electric vehicles.”
Following the success of the Autolib’ electric car-sharing service in Paris and the contracts already won by the Bolloré Group in Lyon, Bordeaux and Indianapolis (USA), Renault and Bolloré are looking to set up a joint venture to win and implement new projects in France and overseas for electric car-sharing services. A first step would be for Renault to take a stake in Bolloré’s Bluely and Bluecub services located in Lyon and Bordeaux, respectively.
Another part of the agreement concerns the Pininfarina-designed Bluecar 4-seater model that makes up the fleet of Autolib’ and an upcoming convertible model that will be launched next June. The two parties are considering the transfer of some production processes to Renault’s Dieppe plant, alongside the supply of parts and components by Renault.
Finally, the third part of the agreement calls for the development and production of a 3-seater electric car using a 20 kWh Bolloré battery. Why a 3-seater? Because data collected by Bolloré from its Autolib’ electric-car sharing service (the biggest one of its kind in the world), show that three-quarters of rentals concern a maximum of three passengers. As a result, Renault will offer its expertise for the development and production of a 3.1-meter long three-seater EV with a driving range of over 200 km (124 miles).
By Dan Mihalascu
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