Renault Group, MyWheels, We Drive Solar, and the Municipality of Utrecht have jointly launched Europe’s first large-scale Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) car-sharing service, named Utrecht Energized. This pioneering initiative aims to create a more sustainable and efficient energy system in Utrecht, a city where 35% of rooftops are already equipped with solar panels. By leveraging V2G technology, electric vehicles (EVs) can not only store energy but also feed it back to the local grid during peak demand periods, ensuring renewable power remains accessible around the clock.
Announced in November 2024, the service is now operational, marking a decisive step toward cleaner urban mobility. The project combines shared mobility with cutting-edge bidirectional charging technology to help balance Utrecht’s electricity network and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
The Netherlands is a global leader in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, and Utrecht stands out as one of Europe’s most progressive cities in adopting clean energy solutions. However, the widespread integration of renewables poses challenges for grid stability due to fluctuating energy supply. V2G technology addresses these issues by enabling vehicles to respond dynamically to changes in energy generation and consumption.
The service currently features 50 Renault 5 E-Tech electric cars, managed by MyWheels, the country’s largest car-sharing operator. These vehicles are equipped with Mobilize’s V2G bidirectional charging system and utilize public infrastructure provided by We Drive Solar. When fully expanded to a fleet of 500 bidirectional cars, the system is expected to deliver 10% of the grid flexibility needed in the Utrecht region to balance solar and wind energy during peak times.
Sustainable Technology for All
The fleet will grow to include additional E-Tech electric models, underscoring Renault Group’s dedication to innovation and sustainable mobility. These compact EVs are well-suited for urban car-sharing programs focused on reducing emissions. Mobilize’s V2G solution represents a significant advancement, enabling large-scale public infrastructure and services to contribute to a more resilient energy grid.
A Powerful Partnership
Renault’s shared cars enable users to charge with clean electricity and feed energy back into the grid when demand spikes. We Drive Solar, a leader in smart charging, supplies advanced bidirectional public AC chargers and aggregation technology that supports the V2G system. MyWheels operates the Renault E-Tech fleet, setting new standards for combining mobility and energy solutions to address urban challenges effectively.
This collaboration exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive sustainable, efficient mobility solutions.
Call for Regulatory Support
Renault Group views Utrecht Energized as a milestone in turning V2G from concept to reality. However, the company stresses that expanding V2G across Europe requires a supportive regulatory framework. Current barriers include unfavorable tax policies, grid fee structures, and complex certification procedures.
Renault urges policymakers and industry stakeholders to adopt harmonized regulations that promote fiscal incentives, revise grid fees, simplify certifications, and support smart meter deployment. Such measures are vital to unlocking V2G’s full potential, which promises increased grid flexibility, lower energy costs for EV owners, and reduced total cost of ownership.
Renault Group has already demonstrated V2G’s viability in France with models like the R5, Alpine A290, R4, New Megane, and New Scenic. Scaling V2G services demands coordination across the energy ecosystem, involving vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, energy companies, and grid operators.
By enabling electric vehicles to serve as mobile energy resources, V2G technology will play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.
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