To facilitate the transformation towards electric mobility, what better than to launch its own network of charging stations, learning from the mistakes of its competitors? It is in any case the new bet of Mobilize and Renault for Europe.
Launched in January 2021, Mobilize is the mobility branch of the Renault group. A few days before the Paris Motor Show, this new entity, still little known to the general public, has unveiled several new features that will interest more than one. On October 10, Mobilize formalized its Mobilize Duo, but also announced a new fast charging network.
These charging stations will be located on several sites owned by Renault dealerships. The objective is to open 90 stations in France within two years, and around 200 at European level. Even though these new stations are late in coming, Mobilize seems to have learned from the mistakes of competing network operators.
A fast charging network based on Renault dealerships
This new network will be called “Mobilize Fast Charge” and it will complement the ultra-fast charging offer near motorways and national roads. These stations will rely on Renault network dealerships, strategically located close to major highways, to create a good network in the territory. Mobilize will therefore not have the brakes of finding land, to buy or rent, to set up its fast charging stations.
This network will address all drivers of electric vehicles without distinction. It will be open 7/7 and 24/24 and will even offer a relaxation area to wait for the recharge time. This idea takes up the projects of the Ionity oasis and certain equipment already installed on Tesla charging stations. This comfort will probably be appreciated during long journeys, while other networks such as Fastned, Total, Electra or Power Dot, do not offer a relaxation area, but only terminals.
A Mobilize card, certainly on monthly subscription, will allow access to preferential rates for recharging. For the moment, the brand has not given any additional information on the prices charged for this network.
Terminals delivering up to 400 kW to prepare for the future
Each station will offer 6 charging points, up to 400 kW of power. Even if no electric vehicle can currently reach this charging power, Mobilize is already planning to not undersize its future charging network.
These terminals will be connected to an intelligent energy management system combined with stationary storage. Old electric vehicle batteries will be used to store energy, and at some sites will also be used to store electricity from photovoltaic panels. This solution must make it possible to deliver up to 600 kW simultaneously.
A rather clever technical choice, which should ensure good charging performance for all users. We can’t wait to see the first “Mobilize Fast Charge” emerge in France to check that everything is there: comfort and charging performance.