Renault’s new spin off brand Mobilize has come up with an idea for one of the world’s smallest cars – the Solo Concept. At just 1.37m long, the tiny two seater is small enough to take up just on sixth of a conventional parking space. It is less than a metre wide, but as tall as an SUV at 1.75m. 

The project came from Renault’s Indian studio, and the designers’ initial idea involved a skateboard with an umbrella.The driver, moves around semi-seated position at low speeds – the maximum is 15.5mph, the same as an e-scooter or electric bike. 

Drivers do not require a licence, seat belt or helmet, and have a joystick for a steering wheel. The Solo’s enclosed body, airbag, and foot-activated emergency button to stop the car if there is a risk provide a decent level of safety.

Six Solos will fit in a standard parking space

The Solo Concept has three wheels: two for traction at the front and a smaller one for steering at the rear. Its body is asymmetric and only opens on the left-hand side. Inside, the reclining seat swivels forward to open up a deep storage compartment designed to fit a bag. The cockpit and body can be easily hosed down. 

The main structure is made with 50% recycled materials and the vehicle is 95% recyclable. 

Several Solo Concept vehicles can slot together to occupy less space in car parks: one standard parking space can fit up to six Solo Concept units in single file.There are three charging options: plug-in, inductive (wireless) and swappable batteries. With inductive technology, one point can charge several slotted vehicles at the same time - the one at the front is plugged into the terminal and uses induction to transfer electricity to the others behind it. 

Alternatively, the Solo's battery can also be removed and charged at home, like an e-bike battery, or swapped at special charging stations for a full pack.

There is no news on production, but Mobilize as a company is aiming to make vehicles available on subscription or via car sharing.

The Solo is controlled via a joystick, but has an airbag if it all goes wrong