The Mobilize Bento micro van has been revealed, with the single-seater last-mile electric delivery vehicle set to go on sale in the UK in spring 2025.
Mobilize is a company that sits under Renault’s umbrella, and the Bento is one of two vehicles that it is releasing next year, the other being a two-seater passenger alternative called the Duo.
Both are officially classified as quadricycles, and the Bento is aimed at small businesses that need an urban delivery vehicle that is compact and easy to park. At just 2.43m and 1.30m wide long it is significantly shorter and narrower than even the smallest of car-derived vans that have been offered for sale in recent years. Three Bentos can be parked alongside each other in a conventional parking space, while the turning circle is just 6.80m.
It is almost exactly the same size as its only other competitor, the Citroen Ami Cargo, but it betters the competition on many of the crucial statistics. It offers a 93-mile electric range, a top speed of 50mph and a total storage capacity of 1m3. The latter comes courtesy of a 649-litre cargo box on the back of the vehicle, with the rest dotted around the cabin.
Mobilize is no start-up – it’s Renault by another name in many ways. Rather than badge it as a Renault, the decision has been taken to use the Mobilize name instead.
Mobilize is focused on areas such as financing, data, installation of charging services and product – that product being vehicles such as the Bento and the Duo.
This financing focus means that there are likely to be some flexible options when it comes to purchasing the Bento. In France it will come with the ability to pay a low monthly fee, although it has yet to be confirmed what pricing structure the UK will offer. The company is exploring the options though.
What is the Bento?
The Mobilize Bento is a small, single-seater electric vehicle that has a large box on the back, tailor made for urban deliveries or collections. It has large windows, to boost visibility around town, and is intended to be eco-conscious – 95% of it is recyclable and more than 40% of its parts are recycled.
It can be charged on a standard domestic socket or a type 2 point, with the cable fixed permanently to the vehicle. Renault has not yet confirmed whether this will permit you to use a charging point that has its own tethered cable.
There is a total carrying capacity of one cubic metre, but any load will have to be light, as there is only 80kg of payload. This goes some way to explaining the decision to only offer a single seat in the Bento, as a second adult passenger would likely eat up all of that payload or take it beyond the permitted maximum.
The standard kit list isn’t huge, with a driver’s airbag, keyless entry, USB-C socket and a phone holder and a heated windscreen all standard. Bluetooth, a heated seat, rear parking sensors and different colour options are all available too.
How and when can you buy a Mobilize Bento?
The Bento is expected to go on sale in the UK around May 2025, with pricing set to follow around the new year. The company expects the majority will be sold via leasing deals, similar to the one announced for France that offers a low monthly payment over a three-year period.
The French prices start at €12,900, which would be just under £11,000 if it translates directly.
