The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, propelled by electrification, digitalization, and evolving consumer expectations. At the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), which is redefining not just how vehicles are powered, but how people experience mobility itself. From seamless EV charging to hyper-personalized digital retail and the emergence of connected mobility ecosystems, AI is the catalyst enabling automotive brands to deliver the next generation of customer experiences. Publicis Sapient, with its SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data & AI—is at the forefront of this revolution, helping automotive leaders reimagine what’s possible.
Electrification has brought new challenges and opportunities. While the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for a sustainable future, the scarcity and uneven distribution of public charging infrastructure remains a barrier to mass adoption. AI-driven solutions are bridging this gap, but the transformation goes much further. Today’s automotive leaders are moving beyond the vehicle, building digital ecosystems that connect drivers, vehicles, infrastructure, and services in real time.
A standout example is Renault’s Plug Inn platform, developed in partnership with Publicis Sapient. Plug Inn is a peer-to-peer (P2P) digital platform that connects EV drivers with home and business charging stations across France. By leveraging AI and real-time data, Plug Inn matches drivers with available charging points, predicts demand, and optimizes routes for convenience. The platform’s intuitive design, robust verification, and dynamic pricing ensure a seamless, trustworthy experience for both hosts and guests. In its first month, Plug Inn attracted over 8,000 users, registered 1,000 charging stations, and achieved 25,000 downloads. By 2030, it is projected to prevent 32,000 tons of CO2e emissions, demonstrating both environmental and commercial impact.
Plug Inn exemplifies how AI and digital platforms can unlock new business models—transforming charging from a utility into a community-driven service that fosters brand loyalty, creates new revenue streams, and accelerates EV adoption.
AI is revolutionizing the automotive experience by enabling:
For example, Publicis Sapient’s Connected Car Solution empowers car owners and fleet managers with proactive service recommendations, while digital retail platforms use AI to personalize the shopping journey, prioritize offers, and drive higher conversion rates.
The transformation extends to automotive retail. Publicis Sapient partnered with Renault to create a digital twin of its flagship showroom on the Champs-Élysées—a virtual universe where users can explore 125 years of Renault’s history, interact with other visitors, and personalize their experience. Built on advanced 3D technology, this digital twin is accessible worldwide and designed to become the home for Renault’s online communities, supporting future developments and commercial opportunities in line with the brand’s web3 strategy.
For another global automaker, Publicis Sapient built a cloud-native digital showroom that consolidates data from 190 markets and 105 countries. AI and machine learning turn this data into actionable insights, enabling real-time personalization and a 900% increase in test drives. These platforms demonstrate how AI can transform vast data sets into engaging, conversion-driving experiences at global scale.
The future of automotive is not just about individual vehicles, but about orchestrating entire ecosystems. AI enables the integration of data and processes across sales, service, charging, and mobility offerings, breaking down silos and delivering consistent, high-quality experiences across every channel and device. Platforms like Plug Inn are the blueprint for this shift, transforming the value chain from linear transactions to dynamic, collaborative networks.
Collaboration is key. OEMs, utilities, municipalities, and technology partners must work together to create interoperable, data-rich ecosystems. By embracing AI-powered platforms, automotive brands can:
What sets Publicis Sapient apart is a commitment to human-centered, responsible AI. Technology should enhance—not replace—the human element in every interaction. Our solutions are designed to keep people in the loop, foster emotional connections, and deliver outcomes that matter. We prioritize ethical AI development, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with our clients’ values.
Publicis Sapient’s AI-driven transformations deliver tangible business results:
As the automotive industry accelerates into the future, AI and data will be the engines driving new forms of mobility, customer engagement, and business growth. Publicis Sapient’s SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data & AI—uniquely position us to guide automotive OEMs, technology partners, and digital product leaders on this journey. From imagination to realization, we help our clients set new standards for digital excellence in mobility.
Ready to explore how AI-driven experience transformation can elevate your automotive business? Connect with Publicis Sapient’s experts to start your journey.