Problem addressed

Transportation in rural areas is neither inclusive nor low-carbon compatible. In areas where public transportation is non existent, achieving carbon neutrality goals for mobility is a major challenge. These rural areas often face systemic barriers such as long daily commutes, social isolation, and lower-than-average incomes, which prevents investments in zero-emission conventional vehicles. These combinations of factors lead to total car dependency. There is a growing need to decarbonize transports and promote social inclusion through new and efficient means of transportation adapted to rural areas.

Innovative solution

In’VD develops and supports a project called Vitamines12 that addresses these challenges through practical, real-life experiences with prototype vehicles that meet the real needs of the rural population. In’VD aims to promote a new category of vehicles called Vélis, Véhicules Légers Intermédiaires (UltraLight intermediate vehicles, L category) that bridges the gap between bicycles and cars. These vehicles are designed to be sober, recyclable, and efficient, all under a total weight of 600 kg. These specifications help to achieve low cost mileage, such as 0.75€ per 100km (QBX Sorean) compared to 2.7€ per 100km for a regular electric car (Renault Zoé) with a fith of the purchase cost and low maintenance, while maintening almost a similar travel duration. The initiative also targets all population categories : active, inactive, retired, young and older citizens, with and without children. In'VD, as a non-profit association, fosters collaboration among various organisations such as CEREMA, ADEME, the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses and includes local authorities, vehicle manufacturers, and research institutions such as the CNRS-ESO Angers.

Key results and benefits

In'VD has developed low-carbon transportation solutions for the local population that meet professional and specific needs. The promotion of transportation through active vehicles, where one can pedal, also helps in fighting health issues, especially obesity, that has risen from 8.5% (1997) to 17% (2020) (INSERM and CHU Montpellier). The program has accumulated in 2025 a hundred months of experimentation ( >100,000km), 48% women, 52% men, with an effective satisfaction around 80% where individuals have successfully replaced their need of a conventional car without compromising their daily routine.

Potential for mainstreaming

The solutions are scalable and adaptable to different contexts. The success of the prototypes and the growing interest from both public and private sectors indicate a strong potential for widespread adoption. Nearly 2 million cars belong to the 10% of lowest income. The ADEME has evaluated a 10 years potential fleet of 3.5 million Ultra light intermediate vehicles, that would consume 0.7 TWh of electricity; it would generate energy gains of 25 TWh, which is more than a quarter of the reduction target (86 TWh) set by the SGPE for energy sovereignty. This fleet of 3.5 million electric vehicles also provides a gain of 5 MtCO2/year necessary to meet our commitments. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with national and european policies aimed at promoting sustainable mobility, which could facilitate its integration into broader mobility strategies and funding programs.

ADEME, the French, Ecological Transition Agency has duplicated the Vitamines12 program in 20 territories in France.