Renault Introduces Europe's Largest V2G Car-Sharing Initiative
Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands, is making strides in implementing large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, as part of the ambitious project named Utrecht Energized. This initiative, which involves Renault Group, MyWheels, We Drive Solar, and the local municipality, aims to stabilise the electricity grid while promoting affordable and sustainable transport [1][2].
Currently, the project has launched with 50 Renault 5 E-Tech electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional chargers integrated into the MyWheels car-sharing fleet. Plans are underway to expand this fleet to 500 V2G-capable EVs, with the city also pledging to install around 2,600 bidirectional chargers by 2025, positioning itself as the world’s first "bidirectional city" [1][3].
The V2G technology allows these electric vehicles to channel surplus battery energy back into the electricity grid during peak periods, effectively turning each EV into a potential small power plant [1][3]. This innovation offers several potential benefits. Energy efficiency and grid stability are improved by using V2G technology, as the city can store surplus solar energy in EV batteries instead of exporting it at low prices, helping balance local energy supply and demand [1][2].
Renewable energy usage is also boosted, with around 35% of Utrecht’s rooftops already having solar panels. V2G supports maximising the use of this renewable energy by shifting when energy is drawn or fed back into the grid [1][2]. Economic benefits also arise, as carsharing operators can generate additional income by providing grid services, turning parked vehicles into valuable grid assets [1].
Environmental and social impact is another key advantage. The project encourages residents to reduce private vehicle ownership, promoting walking and cycling while providing sustainable mobility options when needed [1].
However, challenges remain. Regulatory and logistical hurdles, such as inconsistent tax rules, grid tariffs, and parking regulations across different grid operators, need to be addressed [1]. Coordination between energy providers, vehicle manufacturers, grid operators, and infrastructure providers is also essential for scaling V2G effectively [2]. Concerns about battery health and range anxiety among users must be addressed to ensure broader adoption [3].
Despite these challenges, Utrecht's V2G project is seen as a model for integrating V2G at scale. Its success could pave the way for wider adoption of V2G technology globally [1][2][3]. Jérôme Faton, Mobilize Energy director, emphasises the need to break down barriers such as adapting fiscal rules, grid fees, promoting interoperability, and simplifying certification processes to unlock the full potential of V2G.
The V2G bidirectional charging technology used in the project was developed by Renault's Mobilize Energy business unit. Renault's BEV products capable of providing V2G technology include the Renault R5 E-Tech, Renault 4 E-Tech, Alpine A290, Renault Megane E-Tech, and Renault Scenic E-Tech.
References: [1] Utrecht Energized. (2021). Utrecht Energized. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from https://www.utrechtenergized.nl/ [2] Renault Group. (2021). Renault Group unveils the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, the first bidirectional vehicle in the world. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from https://media.renault.com/global/article/FR/en/2021/09/27/renault-group-unveils-the-renault-5-e-tech-electric-the-first-bidirectional-vehicle-in-the-world [3] We Drive Solar. (2021). Utrecht Energized. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from https://wedrivesolar.com/utrecht-energized/
- The expansion of the project in Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands, aims to increase the number of electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional chargers to 500, positioning it as a potential "bidirectional city" by 2025.
- The V2G technology in these electric vehicles allows them to channel surplus battery energy back into the electricity grid during peak periods, improving energy efficiency and grid stability.
- In addition to environmental benefits, such as reducing private vehicle ownership and promoting walking and cycling, the project also offers economic benefits to carsharing operators who can generate additional income by providing grid services.
- Addressing regulatory and logistical hurdles, such as inconsistent tax rules, grid tariffs, and parking regulations, is crucial for scaling the V2G technology effectively across the industry and the environmental-science community.
