Mobilize — Renault Group’s business focused on providing innovative, sustainable mobility solutions through car-sharing, energy management, and vehicle-related services — has introduced the Bento, an all-electric micro van designed for businesses navigating urban environments.

Built as a utility version of the Duo electric quadricycle — which is replacing the Twizy — the Bento offers a compact, eco-friendly solution for transporting goods in congested city areas. With its tiny footprint, 649-litre cargo box, and tech-savvy features, the Bento could be an ideal vehicle for local service providers looking for a nimble, sustainable vehicle.

Renault Mobilize Bento micro-van rear

Compact and Agile Design

Measuring just 2.54 meters long and 1.30 meters wide, the Mobilize Bento is half the size of a conventional city car. Its compact design will allow it to easily navigate dense urban traffic, and its 6.8-metre turning circle ensures superior manoeuvrability, even in tight spaces. Parking will also be a breeze, with the Bento able to fit into spots too small for traditional cars. Three Bentos can be parked side by side in a standard parking space, saving both time and space.

Renault Mobilize Bento micro-van parked

Range and Charging for Everyday Business

The Bento’s 10.3 kWh battery provides a range of up to 92 miles on a full charge, sufficient for most urban business needs. Whether delivering packages or managing on-the-go repairs, users will rarely need to recharge during the day. When charging is necessary, the Bento is designed for convenience. It can gain 15 miles of range in just one hour from a standard domestic socket, making it easy to top up during breaks. For those with access to public or company charging points, the Bento also offers an optional Type 2 plug, reducing charging time.

Renault Mobilize Bento micro-van charging

Built with Sustainability in Mind

Sustainability is at the core of the Bento’s design. Over 40% of its materials are recycled, and it’s 95% recyclable at the end of its service life. This eco-friendly approach extends to its production process at Renault’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Tangiers, which runs on 90% renewable energy. The vehicle’s parts and components generate 66% fewer greenhouse gases than a typical A-segment electric vehicle, reinforcing the Bento’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact.

The Bento’s body panels, including bumpers and wheel arches, are made from 60% recycled polymers, half of which come from old automotive plastics. These materials ensure that the Mobilize Bento is not only durable but also environmentally responsible, meeting the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Designed for Business Needs

At its heart, the Mobilize Bento is built for businesses, particularly local service providers and the self-employed. The large cargo box, capable of holding up to 649 litres, makes it perfect for jobs involving the transportation of small equipment or goods. Whether it’s used for deliveries, repairs, or maintenance, the adaptable space inside the Bento ensures it can be customised for a variety of tasks. Its compact size also enables access to city centres that are often off-limits to larger vehicles, offering businesses a practical way to serve urban areas.

The Bento’s design is as much about functionality as it is about style. The cargo box can be customised with decals, allowing businesses to use the Bento as a mobile billboard and promote their services while on the move.

Renault Mobilize Bento micro-van loading

A Safe and Comfortable Ride

One of the Bento’s standout features is its emphasis on safety. It is the only quadricycle equipped with a driver airbag and safety belts with force limiters, ensuring the driver’s protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, Mobilize’s Fireman Access system, standard across all Renault electric vehicles, allows emergency responders to quickly access the battery in case of fire, further enhancing safety.

The Bento doesn’t skimp on comfort, either. The heated driver’s seat and windscreen provide relief during colder months, while manual air conditioning ensures a cool ride in the summer. Optimised for urban driving, the suspension system offers smooth handling even over the speed bumps that are so common in city streets.

The Bento is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C port for drivers seeking entertainment on the go, making it easy to stream music or charge devices. A unique “boombox” dashboard inspired by 1980s urban culture adds a fun, retro touch to the interior while providing storage and connectivity options.

Renault Mobilize Bento micro-van dashboard

Tech Features for Business Optimisation

The Bento comes with built-in connectivity features that cater specifically to businesses. Fleet managers can use services like Smart Sharing, which enables vehicle reservation and digital key distribution through the MyDuo app. The Bento’s geofencing feature allows businesses to set geographic boundaries for the vehicle, sending an alert if it travels outside the designated area. This ensures that the Mobilize Bento can be monitored and controlled remotely, preventing unauthorised use.

Battery Charge Inhibition is another handy tool, allowing fleet managers to remotely stop the vehicle from charging if necessary, a feature that can be especially useful for preventing improper vehicle use.

Mobilize Bento: Pricing and Availability

The Mobilize Bento is positioned as an affordable electric vehicle for business users, priced at €10,000 (£8,400) in France, excluding tax and after an eco-bonus. Its status as a certified commercial vehicle also makes it eligible for VAT recovery in some regions, such as France. The Bento will be available through Renault’s extensive distribution network, ensuring easy access to sales and after-sales services.

Phil Huff