Dutch carsharing company MyWheels is expanding its bidirectional charging network with 50 new units in Eindhoven, allowing its shared electric vehicles to store and release solar energy to the local grid. The move builds on earlier pilots in Utrecht and aims to make car charging cheaper while helping balance electricity demand.
MyWheels, in partnership with We Drive Solar, will install the new charging stations across 14 initial locations in Eindhoven and inform nearby residents about the rollout. The bidirectional system allows excess solar power to be stored in car batteries during the day and fed back into the grid when demand increases, easing strain on local infrastructure.
“With this pilot, we are focusing on smart technology that contributes to both reliable shared mobility and a stable energy grid. Bidirectional shared cars help us to make the city more liveable and sustainable, which is exactly what we stand for in Eindhoven,” said Alderman Robert Strijk, who oversees mobility for the city.
The Netherlands has faced increasing challenges from solar energy oversupply, as rooftop installations have grown rapidly in recent years. By using electric vehicles as mobile storage units, MyWheels and its partners hope to mitigate grid congestion and promote wider adoption of renewable energy.
We Drive Solar CEO Robin Berg, whose company collaborates with MyWheels and Renault on energy-sharing projects, said earlier this year that bidirectional charging can play a key role in integrating electric mobility and clean energy systems. According to the companies, the system is expected to be fully operational in Eindhoven by the end of 2025.
Source: ioplus.nl