Renault has begun a new trial that will allow drivers of its electric vehicles and other EVs to give energy back to the grid when plugged in at public charging points.
Using an alternating current (AC), the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging points are part of a large-scale pilot scheme that could see EVs fitted with storage units to then transfer energy back that it doesn’t need.
Taking place in the Dutch city of Utrecht, the scheme is using 15 specially-modified Renault Zoes that can accept a reverse charge – which can send power back to the grid during peak usage times and aiding the strained power networks at busier times.
At off-peak times, the test vehicles will be able to store energy – with the Netherlands’ We Drive Solar providing support alongside Portuguese company Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira.
Renault is also aiming to launch other pilot projects in France, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark.
See Available Renault dealsGilles Normand, Groupe Renault’s director of electric vehicles, said: “With this initiative, Groupe Renault is fully fulfilling its role as a leader in electric mobility for all and as a player in the energy transition.
“Vehicle-to-grid charging is a key pillar of the smart electric ecosystems that Groupe Renault has set up. We have chosen onboard technology that also optimises the cost of recharging stations and thus facilitate a large-scale development.”