In Utrecht, a new wind is blowing on urban mobility with the launch of the very first carpool service integrating V2G technology at scale in Europe. This bold initiative, in partnership with Renault, We Drive Solar, and MyWheels, offers a fleet of 500 Renault 5 E-Tech Electric vehicles, showcasing ingenious bidirectional charging. The goal is to facilitate access to shared electric mobility while stabilizing the urban power grid. This promising project lays the groundwork for a new era where renewable energy is combined with daily life, transforming Utrecht into a leader of sustainable mobility.
The city of Utrecht, in collaboration with Renault Group, We Drive Solar, and MyWheels, is at the forefront of sustainable mobility by launching the first carpool service using Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology on a large scale. This innovative project includes 500 electric Renault 5 E-Tech cars equipped with Mobilize’s bidirectional charging technology. Users of these vehicles will not only be able to charge with clean energy but also inject electricity into the grid during peak demand periods.
With this initiative, Utrecht becomes a model of sustainable and smart transport in Europe, enabling the balancing of the urban electrical grid while promoting shared mobility. MyWheels manages the fleet of vehicles and We Drive Solar installs and operates the bidirectional charging stations, thus solidifying the transition to renewable energy in urban areas.
Utrecht initiates a new era in Europe with V2G carpooling
Utrecht positions itself at the forefront of innovation in sustainable mobility by launching the first carpool service using *Vehicle to Grid* (V2G) technology on a large scale in Europe. In collaboration with Renault Group, We Drive Solar, and MyWheels, the city is transforming its approach to managing electric mobility. This partnership plans to put 500 Renault 5 E-Tech vehicles into circulation, equipped with V2G technology, allowing for direct interaction with the local energy grid. These vehicles do not merely consume energy; they also help stabilize the grid by returning energy when it is needed.
This project illustrates progress towards sustainable urbanization by adapting existing infrastructure to facilitate the deployment of similar initiatives in other cities. Equipping these vehicles with innovative Mobilize technology not only promotes the use of clean energy, but also allows for cost reduction strategies. This translates into better integration of renewable energy sources within the dynamic urban landscape of Utrecht, ensuring sustainable mobility.
V2G technology at the heart of innovations
Thanks to V2G technology, cars can not only be recharged, but can also provide energy to the grid in times of high demand, equating to about 10% of the flexibility needed. These savings would directly contribute to a reduction in the fixed costs for all users. Through this technology, V2G carpooling goes beyond just reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It plays an active role in balancing the production and consumption of renewable energy in this progressive city.
The success of this initiative constitutes a crucial step towards being a leader in smart electric cars. In Utrecht, all new public AC charging stations will be equipped to fully harness V2G potential. These new stations are essential for a smooth transition to a greener mobility, thereby reinforcing Renault’s commitment to a greener future through Mobilize technology.
Perspectives for the future of urban transport
Renault’s initiative, in partnership with the city of Utrecht, could encourage other major European cities to adopt similar carpooling solutions. This represents not only a turning point for urban mobility but also a real opportunity to rethink the energy infrastructure. As the project progresses, the fleet of vehicles could include more models such as the Renault 4 E-Tech, Mégane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech, designed to adapt to modern urban life.
By integrating low-carbon shared mobility solutions, cities can not only meet the growing demand for clean mobility solutions but also create a viable model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This also means that public infrastructures can incorporate more energy from wind and solar while adapting to fluctuations in energy demand. Utrecht’s V2G project could thus become the norm for the future of urban transport in Europe.
