Particularly invested in V2G technology, Renault had already started a project in 2019 with its little Zoé. Just like a standard electric car, the electric R5 is therefore able to charge on a wallbox, but it also allows the energy contained in its batteries to be redistributed on the electrical network. This is intended to smooth out peaks in demand, especially with an ever-growing fleet of electric vehicles.
This technology already exists in other vehicles, particularly South Koreans, but this is the first time that a much more affordable B-segment city car will be equipped with a two-way charger. To take advantage of this technology, you will of course need to equip yourself with a specific V2G charger, developed in partnership with several players such as Orange, STMicroelectronics and Thales. In this way, charging is no longer controlled only in one direction and becomes bidirectional, between the network and the car.
To take advantage of this functionality, the owner of the vehicle can take out a V2G contract through Renault’s subsidiary, Mobilize, dedicated to mobility and electric charging. When the car’s energy is called upon, the owner will be able to benefit from cheaper refills, and even make a profit.
It’s easy to imagine the smart guys charging their car for free in a supermarket car park or at a public terminal before redistributing the electrons on the network and thus earning a few euros. Beware, however, of the battery, which may suffer from a large number of charge/discharge cycles and wear out prematurely.
Renault has also announced that the Megane and the Scenic will benefit from this technology, which is still at the project stage. According to EDF, the democratization of V2G charging could eventually avoid the construction of two to three nuclear power plants.