Renault has been big on the whole EV self-driver thing for the past few years now, pulling the sheets on several SYMBIOZ concepts back in 2017. The EZ-GO is the latest follow-up, offering the same drivetrain and autonomous tech as before, but with an extra dash of shared mobility services and connected features to boot. The result is a vision of the future of urban mobility, promising improvements to both energy efficiency and quality of life.

Continue reading to learn more about the Renault EZ-GO.

2018 Renault EZ-GO

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Renault EZ-GO
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Pros
Cons

Renault EZ-GO Exterior

- Unique and interesting styling - Futuristic and functional - Autonomous sensors mounted in exterior antenna - Covered wheels and suspension add protection - Functional lighting for passengers and pedestrians - Active turn signals

In terms of exterior styling, the Renault EZ-GO is definitely unique. It’s like some geometric space pod, something we wouldn’t be surprised to see traversing the long empty corridors connecting two far-flung sci-fi outposts. There’s a defined front and back to it, but the symmetry between either end looks very closely related.

Renault calls it “cocoon-like styling,” adding that it’s the “first automaker to design a robo-vehicle that is meant to be beautiful, far from a cube-shaped shuttle.”

While we wouldn’t necessarily call it beautiful, it definitely has a sleek, futuristic vibe that offers enhanced utility without sacrificing form. Kinda like a silver jumpsuit you’d expect some interplanetary travelers to wear when touching down on the White House lawn.

That said, Renault made sure to reiterate the functionality of the aesthetic. For example, the trapeze-shaped design provides a wide field of vision for the various onboard autonomous sensors, which utilizes systems such radar, lidar, ultrasound, and visual cameras. The sensors are all located in a removable antenna on the rear roof spoiler, which deploys when the vehicle is started. We also find that the body was wrapped around the wheels and suspension components, which Renault says helps to reduce maintenance and cleaning.

The lighting is also functional. For example, the front and rear light bars (colored white and red respectively) offer a welcome sequence for passengers, while also providing splash puddle lighting for pedestrians to indicate when the vehicle is traveling in autonomous mode. Further useful info is relayed with various messages that communicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross the street, and as a notification to cyclists that the vehicle is approaching (no internal combustion makes for a very quiet approach).

There are also active turn signals that curve along the wheel fairings, automatically adjusting their angling to give other vehicles and road users a clearer view. Finally, there’s a third brake light which is located on the rear spoiler as a nod to the Symbioz Concept that came before.

Renault EZ-GO and Station exterior dimensions

Width

2.2 meters (86.6 inches)

Height (hatch closed)

1.6 meters (63 inches)

Height (hatch open)

1.8 meters (70.9 inches)

Wheelbase

3.8 meters (149.6 inches)

Ramp Width

1.4 meters (55.1 inches)

Ramp Angle

6 degrees


Renault EZ-GO Interior

- Affordable car sharing - Seating for up to six passengers - Large single door in front for easy access - Wheelchair accessible - LED lighting leading to exit - Panoramic glass above and to the sides - Designed for lounging and socializing - Connected services aplenty - Loads of infotainment features - Multiple configurations depending on the intended use

The Renault EZ-GO is meant to provide the privacy and freedom of your own personal car, as well as the ease of mind of a fully autonomous vehicle. What’s more, as a shared service, Renault says the EZ-GO is also quite affordable, with a price-per-mile that should rival even that of mass transit.

However, before we get into the specifics of the technology and sharing, let’s start with the basics. The EZ-GO can provide transportation for up to six passengers, with a large opening in front providing safe ingress and egress. There’s also splash puddle lighting to indicate where the descending platform will land when pulling up to the curb.

Passengers can simply walk on in at standing height,

plus there’s easy access for those in a wheelchair or on crutches, as well as anyone pulling luggage on wheels or pushing a stroller. LED strips in the floor help guide passengers to the exit when the car is at its intended destination.

The interior itself was designed for whatever it is you want to do, be it working, sleeping, or reading. There’s plenty of visibility outwards, while above is a panoramic glass roof that will automatically darken when the sun gets too intense.

Bench seating and a flat floor help to maximize space, as does the lack of driver’s seat, the extended wheelbase, and the fact that all the powertrain components are mounted under the floor.

Between the lounging and socializing, passengers can also access info from the large onboard screens mounted in front, which provide info on the city through which they’re traveling. Extra helpful tidbits include info on the estimated time of arrival, planned stops for boarding and leaving, available city services, points of interest, and more. It also gives passengers access to various vehicle-to-infrastructure features, and lets you do stuff like buy tickets to the museum you plan on visiting while en route.

Of course, the onboard Wi-Fi and inductive smartphone charging are useful if you just wanna use your own device as an alternative.

As for the way in which the car sharing services operate, users can “order” the car of their choice on demand, either through an app or a physical “station” located within the city itself. And because it’s completely autonomous, the car is perfect for those who are no longer able to drive, or can’t drive yet. “People will choose whether they want to drive or be driven, with or without a driver on board,” Renault explains. The service offers reserved seating during booking if you want a specific spot on the seats, and after settling in and securing your luggage, you simply push a button and set off.

The EZ-GO is also replete with cutting-edge features, offering up access to copious data systems, the Internet of Things, and smart electric grids, connecting to the surrounding environment using the latest technology to make it as easy and comfortable as possible to get from A to B.

Finally, Renault promises a customizable experience with several different vehicle configurations - for example, there could be a car for “six tourists who want the whole vehicle to themselves and have a guided discovery tour of the city,” as opposed to the business executive who just wants to get to a meeting after lunch. Both individuals and large public groups are catered to, and Renault undoubtedly imagines vast fleets of these things providing the transport no matter the scenario at hand. It could even be considered a more comfortable supplement to mass transit.

Renault EZ-GO Station dimensions

Station Length

7.5 meters

Station Width

3 meters

Station Height

1 meter


Renault EZ-GO Drivetrain

- All-electric powertrain - Powertrain and battery under the floor - Top speed of 30 mph - Smart charging solutions - Rear-wheel steering - Adaptive chassis and suspension components - Modular chassis

As is tradition for concepts like these, the EZ-GO uses an all-electric powertrain for motivation. The motor is mounted in the tail of the vehicle and drives the rear axle, while the battery is under the floor, all of which maximizes interior space.

Top speed is rated at just 30 mph, which means this is definitely just a city machine for quick spot-to-spot transport.

To keep the battery pack topped off, there’s an inductive charging system, making it even easier to operate this thing - no plug required. It also comes with smart charging solutions, with vehicle-to-grid interactions to maximize usefulness. Renault points to stuff like the Z.E. Smart Charge app as a good example of this, which is already in use in the Netherlands and provides access to renewable energy and low-price charging.

To help it get around, the EZ-GO gets rear-wheel steering, enhancing its maneuverability in tight spaces and narrow corners. It also comes with 4CONTROL chassis tech and active suspension with an adaptable ride height, all of which helps it defeat less-than-ideal city street surfaces.

Finally, under the skin is a modular platform which will be used for other vehicles some time in the future. That means we should most likely expect further EZ-GO concepts to be released later this year.

Renault EZ-GO Drivetrain

Propulsion

single electric motor

Drive Wheels

RWD

Weight

1,700 kg

Steering

front and rear wheels


Conclusion

While it might not look like it, the Renault EZ-GO is actually a partial nod to the company’s past. For example, the attached press release kicks off with a story from 1898 wherein Louis Renault drove the first direct drive gearbox up one of the steepest streets in Paris.

That moment helped usher in a new transportation revolution, and Renault recognizes another turning point in history occurring right now.

“It means leadership in advancing zero emission vehicles, constantly reviewing trends and consumer needs, and bringing transportation solutions to all who want them - both owned, and shared,” Renault explains.

Key to this is Level 4 autonomy, a tech which Renault says it is currently developing. Once self-driving cars arrive in a big way, expect more efficiency in urban transportation, with reduced traffic and less time searching for a parking spot. And all that will definitely improve the quality of life for all involved.

“The demand for on-demand, shared mobility, complementary to individual cars, will appeal to more and more people, for convenience and also necessity - such as the young and the elderly who either cannot afford to have a car, or can’t drive,” Renault explains.

Believe it or not, but there’s actually a workable timetable for all this future stuff, as Renault says it’ll launch its ride-hailing robo-taxi commercial services by 2022.

And yeah, we obviously love driving ourselves. But if cars like the EZ-GO mean we don’t have to sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic burning out the clutch pedal, we can definitely give it our blessing.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Renault SYMBIOZ Concept.

Read more Renault news.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.