Lacroix, the electronics specialist, has commenced manufacturing bidirectional chargers for the Renault Group, with the Mobilize PowerBox now in production at the company’s Beaupréau-en-Mauges plant southwest of Paris.
“The Mobilize PowerBox is manufactured in four different versions: three function in the classic unidirectional way and one in a bidirectional way,” stated a spokesperson from Renault. “Renault wants to introduce bidirectional charging on the vehicle side with its announced electric 5 Series.”
Initial production capacity for the Mobilize PowerBox stands at 65,000 units per year, with plans to introduce the charging station for all of the Renault Group’s electric vehicles, according to an accompanying press release.
“The individual versions of the PowerBox are divided into Uno, Uno Plus, Uno Pro, and Verso,” the Renault spokesperson elaborated. “Thanks to alternating current technology, Mobilize PowerBox VERSO allows as many people as possible to access the bidirectional charging of their vehicle, thereby helping maximize the impact of smart energy management. This two-way charging station will be available for the launch of the electric Renault 5.”
All versions come with automatic updates and remote diagnostics via the Internet. “The Uno Pro and Verso versions also have a 4G connection,” the spokesperson added.
“The all-electric Renault 5 will be the first Renault vehicle with a bidirectional charger,” confirmed the spokesperson. “The associated V2G service will be available from the launch of the Renault 5 in France and Germany in 2024 and in the UK in 2025.”
“To accompany the market launch of the Renault 5, the Renault mobility brand plans to launch the Mobilize V2G service, including a smartphone app that can be used to program bidirectional charging,” the spokesperson continued. “Criteria such as a desired battery level and/or the time the vehicle will next be used can be recorded there.”
