500 Renault cars will help stabilize Utrecht's electricity grid

Utrecht is set to launch Europe's first large-scale Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) car-sharing service in partnership with Renault Group, We Drive Solar, and MyWheels. Starting in March 2025, 500 electric Renault vehicles will provide shared mobility and contribute to grid stability. This innovative project allows cars to store and feed energy back to the local grid during peak hours, addressing both transportation and energy challenges. With 35% of Utrecht's rooftops covered in solar panels, the V2G-enabled vehicles could provide 10% of the flexibility needed to balance renewable energy in the region, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban solutions.

V2G technology allows electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also to return unused electricity back to it. This bidirectional energy flow is crucial for balancing supply and demand, particularly as cities increasingly rely on renewable energy sources like solar and wind. In Utrecht, introducing V2G technology through this car-sharing service addresses the challenge of energy variability and peak demand periods.

We Drive Solar, a pioneer in bidirectional charging solutions, will manage the installation and operation of V2G charging stations across Utrecht. Their experience, dating back to 2019, when they initially installed bidirectional stations, ensures a smooth integration of this technology into the city's infrastructure. Meanwhile, MyWheels, the largest car-sharing company in the Netherlands, will oversee the operation of the vehicle fleet. With a membership base exceeding 250,000, MyWheels is well-positioned to promote sustainable mobility across the region.

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Economic and environmental impacts

This initiative not only supports Utrecht's sustainability goals but also brings economic advantages. The city can reduce electricity costs and enhance grid resilience by allowing vehicles to feed power back into the grid during high-demand periods. According to Renault, the fleet of 500 cars could contribute up to 10% of the flexibility required to manage the region's solar and wind energy resources effectively. This dual functionality of vehicles as transport solutions and mobile energy units exemplifies how technology can simultaneously address multiple urban challenges.

For Renault Group, this project is part of a broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. By deploying the Renault 5 E-Tech models equipped with Mobilize’s V2G technology, Renault is advancing its sustainability objectives and setting a precedent for future urban mobility solutions.

The success of this project underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and sustainability. By collaborating with municipal authorities and private companies, Utrecht demonstrates how cities can effectively harness shared expertise and resources to tackle complex issues such as energy management and sustainable transport.