The partnership between Renault Group, We Drive Solar, MyWheels, and the City of Utrecht heralds a new era of sustainable urban mobility through the launch of Europe’s first V2G-enabled car-sharing service. This innovative initiative, rooted in the growing prominence of renewable energy in the Netherlands, leverages Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology to simultaneously address transportation needs and electricity grid challenges. With Utrecht leading as a renewable energy pioneer, boasting 35% solar-panel-covered rooftops, the initiative showcases how cities can integrate sustainable mobility with energy resilience to shape a greener future.
Central to this venture is the deployment of 500 Renault electric vehicles, starting with the iconic Renault 5, which will utilize Mobilize’s bi-directional charging technology. Operated by MyWheels, these vehicles enable both charging from renewable sources and feeding energy back into the grid during peak demand, effectively reducing costs and stabilizing electricity supply. With plans to expand the fleet to include the Renault 4 E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech electric models, the collaboration highlights Renault Group’s dedication to innovation and clean energy integration. This large-scale initiative not only meets the demands of shared urban mobility but also contributes 10% of the grid flexibility needed in the Utrecht region to balance solar and wind energy.
The project is a paradigm of public-private cooperation, demonstrating the transformative potential of partnerships in addressing urban and environmental challenges. With We Drive Solar leading in smart charging infrastructure and MyWheels revolutionizing car-sharing services, Utrecht stands poised to redefine sustainable mobility. This initiative underscores a commitment to harmonizing mobility and energy solutions, setting a benchmark for cities worldwide in adopting integrated and efficient systems for a sustainable future.
