Renault is set to launch the all-electric Renault 5 as the first vehicle equipped with a bidirectional charger. This milestone development will enable Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) services, allowing the car to feed electricity back into the grid when needed. The Renault 5, along with a V2G-capable charging station, will be available in France and Germany starting in 2024 and in the UK in 2025.
The introduction of bidirectional charging is being spearheaded by Renault’s mobility brand, Mobilize. In order to utilize this feature, customers will require a V2G-capable charging station, which can facilitate the two-way flow of electricity between the vehicle and the grid.
Mobilize is actively promoting its own specialized charger, called the “Mobilize Powerbox,” designed for bidirectional charging. Developed in collaboration with Software République and IoTecha, this charger communicates with both the vehicle and the cloud. By assessing factors such as battery charging requirements, domestic energy needs, and incentives from the energy market and power grid, the Mobilize Powerbox determines whether to recharge the vehicle’s battery or send power back to the grid. The bidirectional terminal has a power range of 7 to 22 kW.
The forthcoming Renault 5 will be the first Renault vehicle to incorporate a V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) enabled onboard charger, with other models to follow suit. The onboard power management software ensures constant access to the Mobilize V2G service while efficiently conserving battery power. Notably, the bidirectional charger also facilitates the operation of electrical appliances through a “vehicle-to-load function.” Renault is currently developing an adapter that connects to the vehicle’s charging socket, allowing the same amount of energy to flow as with a standard 230-volt socket.
In conjunction with the launch of the Renault 5, Mobilize is introducing the Mobilize V2G service, complemented by a smartphone app that enables users to program bidirectional charging. Users can specify desired battery levels and set the time for the next vehicle usage through the app. Mobilize plans to extend this service to other Renault electric vehicles in the future.
Completing the components necessary for V2G services, Mobilize has partnered with The Mobility House to offer the “Mobilize electricity contract.” This contract allows for the commercialization of energy fed back into the grid. The Mobility House, a technology partner of Renault since 2018, ensures the seamless integration of this fourth component alongside the bidirectional onboard charger, V2G terminal, and service. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Mobilize offers a competitively priced carbon-neutral electricity contract through The Mobility House, enabling users to reinject electricity into their homes or sell it back to the grid.
Corinne Frasson, Director of Energy Services at Mobilize, highlighted the significance of Mobilize V2G, stating, “Thanks to Mobilize V2G, cars become an energy reserve. All drivers have to do is regularly connect their vehicle to the Powerbox to optimize their electricity bill and cut carbon from their mobility. On average, the cost of charging is cut by half. That is how Mobilize’s mobility solutions are more sustainable and affordable.”
Renault’s introduction of bidirectional charging in the Renault 5 signifies a significant step towards a greener and more flexible energy ecosystem, allowing electric vehicles to play an active role in balancing the electricity grid while benefiting the consumers economically.