Renault is shutting down its Zity car-sharing services and dramatically scaling back EV charging infrastructure plans as new CEO François Provost prioritizes profitability over expansion at the French automaker’s Mobilize unit.
Why it matters: The retreat signals another European automaker abandoning ambitious EV infrastructure investments amid brutal cost pressures and slowing returns.
The Details
- Renault will cut 80 of roughly 450 jobs at its Mobilize Beyond Automotive division, favoring voluntary departures and internal transfers.
- The company is ending Zity car-sharing operations in Milan and Madrid, along with its micro electric car Duo program.
- Renault will abandon planned EV charging projects in Belgium and Spain entirely.
- Energy and data activities will be reintegrated into Renault’s main group as part of the restructuring.
- Reuters reports the changes were announced Friday as Renault seeks to funnel investments into more profitable ventures.
By The Numbers
- New charging target: 100 stations in France + 100 in Italy by end of 2026
- Previous target: 650 charging stations across Europe by 2028
- Jobs cut: 80 positions at Mobilize Beyond Automotive
- Total Mobilize workforce: Approximately 450 employees
- Mobilize founded: 2021 by then-CEO Luca de Meo
EVXL’s Take
Renault’s retreat from EV infrastructure fits a pattern EVXL has tracked throughout 2025: European automakers are abandoning ambitious electrification plans faster than they announced them. What makes this particularly notable is timing. Just days ago, Ford announced it would partner with Renault to build cheap EVs in France because Ford’s own platform was too expensive. Now Renault is simultaneously slashing its infrastructure investments.
“We are in a context of adjusting Renault’s capital allocation, the auto industry is in a difficult environment, and we have many investments to finance,” Jérôme Faton, head of Energy at Mobilize, told Reuters. Translation: when profits tighten, EV infrastructure is the first casualty. Meanwhile, BYD is doubling its European dealer network to 2,000 locations by 2026 and building factories that make tariffs irrelevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Mobilize? Created in 2021 by former CEO Luca de Meo, Mobilize was designed to explore new mobility solutions beyond traditional car sales, including car-sharing, charging services, and data management.
- Who is François Provost? Renault’s new chief executive who took over at the end of July 2025 and initiated the strategic review prioritizing profitability.
- Will Renault stop building EVs? No. The cuts target infrastructure and mobility services, not vehicle production. Renault continues developing electric models including the upcoming Twingo EV.
