Mobilize Pay was a multifaceted credit card program that extended beyond a mere transactional tool, evolving into a comprehensive ecosystem designed to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) experience. Users could engage in standard credit card transactions, enjoy significant cashback rewards, calculate and offset their carbon footprint and understand their driving behaviors through a driving score while charging their electric vehicles at Renault’s extensive charging station network.
This case study will explore the Mobilize Pay project's initial objectives, technological innovations, and challenges, providing insights into the complexities of innovating at the crossroads of two rapidly evolving industries: automotive and fintech.
The Mobilize Pay project emerged as a key component of Renault's innovative strategy, launched under the umbrella of Mobilize Financial Services in 2022. This new commercial brand was created as the reference point for all mobility needs related to car use, supporting Mobilize’s vision of "vehicle-as-a-service". Mobilize Pay, along with Mobilize Insurance and Mobilize Lease&Co, signifies a tremendous evolution in the intersection of automotive and financial services industries.
Driven by a bold vision to pivot entirely to electric vehicles by 2029, Renault leveraged Mobilize Pay as a strategic tool to promote EV usage and enhance customer loyalty. This program was intricately linked to Renault's broader business strategy, offering substantial incentives for utilizing their expansive charging infrastructure. Before its public debut, Mobilize Pay underwent rigorous beta-testing in a production environment with a select group of participants. This phase was crucial for refining features like cost optimization for fuel consumption and providing personalized driving tips, all managed directly through the app.
The initiative also strongly emphasized environmental responsibility, allowing users to convert their cashback rewards into "Mobi points." These points could then be donated to environmental projects, directly aiding in reducing users’ carbon footprints and aligning with global sustainability goals.
The Mobilize Pay project was initiated to address several challenges and opportunities identified by Renault as it prepared to pivot towards a future focused primarily on electric vehicles (EVs) by 2029.
The core problem was enhancing the overall customer experience by integrating financial services with the EV ecosystem, encouraging the adoption and use of electric vehicles.
Renault recognized that while electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, the customer experience, especially regarding charging and transactions, could be a deterrent due to perceived inconveniences and inefficiencies. To boost customer satisfaction and loyalty, the process needed to be as seamless and rewarding as possible.
There was a clear opportunity to integrate financial transactions directly using EVs. This integration could simplify the process of charging vehicles and make it more attractive by adding financial incentives such as cashback rewards directly linked to the use of Renault’s own charging stations.
Renault also saw potential in using data collected from users’ driving and charging habits to offer personalized advice and improvements, fostering a more engaged and satisfied customer base.
Our collaboration with Renault on the Mobilize Pay project, which lasted from October 2022 to August 2023, focused intensively on developing the mobile app, backend services connecting to the banking infrastructure, and integrating a robust cashback solution that would incentivize the use of electric vehicles.
We designed this feature to seamlessly integrate with Renault’s extensive network of charging stations, allowing EV owners to receive significant cashback rewards directly through the Mobilize Pay platform when they charge their vehicles. This system not only encouraged more frequent use of Renault’s charging infrastructure but also aimed to enhance the overall ownership experience by offering tangible financial benefits.
Throughout our partnership, we worked collaboratively to ensure the cashback mechanism was user-friendly and effectively integrated with the broader financial services offered through the Mobilize Pay app.
"A solid company with brilliant leadership. Thinslices translated complex concepts into a user-friendly app on time and within budget. The team’s innovative approach and strategic insights met the project’s specifications.
Further, they maintained clear communication while adhering to quality. Thinslices’ client-centered approach stood out."
Technical specifications
The technical framework for Mobilize Pay was constructed using Flutter for both the mobile application's frontend development and the administration web platform, ensuring a cohesive user experience across devices. For the backend, Java was chosen for its robustness, paired with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to leverage cloud services that enhance scalability and security.
Members from our technical fintech team were integral to the project, distributed across three mixed teams—each comprising a blend of Thinslices and Mobilize developers. Each team, included Product Owner, Technical Lead, and engineers, and was responsible for different segments of the application.
The Mobilize Pay project leveraged several cutting-edge fintech services to deliver a comprehensive and innovative user experience. These integrations played a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and appeal of the product, providing users with a range of benefits tailored to the needs of electric vehicle (EV) owners.
Banking-as-a-Service
Mobilize Pay integrated Solaris for its robust banking-as-a-service capabilities, specifically utilizing it for credit card services. This integration enabled users to seamlessly manage their finances directly through the Mobilize Pay platform, ensuring secure and efficient transactions. The inclusion of Solaris allowed for a streamlined payment experience, which was integral to the success of the Mobilize Pay ecosystem.
Carbon Accounting
Ecolytic's carbon accounting technology was integrated into Mobilize Pay. This provided users with data about their carbon footprint based on transactions, allowing them to compare it to the national average. Users also received personalized eco-tips and had the option to offset their carbon emissions through donations to German forest conservation projects.
Safety and Driving Score
Motion-S provided an advanced safety and driving score system that evaluated users' driving behaviors. This integration was designed to help users improve their driving safety and adopt more environmentally friendly driving practices. By providing actionable insights and feedback, Motion-S encouraged users to enhance their driving habits, contributing to overall road safety and reduced environmental impact.
Cashback Rewards
The partnership with Etvas introduced a cashback system called "Mobi points" to the Mobilize Pay platform. Initially for EV charging, it later included other sustainable transactions. Users could earn Mobi points and exchange them for benefits, promoting eco-friendly behavior and use of Renault’s charging stations.
The Mobilize Pay initiative significantly advanced Renault's goal of enhancing the electric vehicle (EV) ownership experience through the seamless integration of financial services with EV infrastructure. This pioneering project transformed the way customers interacted with Renault's charging network, providing substantial cashback rewards and personalized driving tips. By leveraging data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology, the project incentivized using Renault's charging stations and fostered greater customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Mobilize Pay was a testament to the innovative spirit of Renault and its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The project underscored the importance of integrating financial incentives with EV infrastructure to promote greener transportation options. Although the project ended, the lessons learned, and technological breakthroughs continue to influence Renault's approach to electric vehicles and financial services, paving the way for future advancements in the intersection of these dynamic industries.
