Specialized in electrified mobility, the manufacturer Mobilize is already present to the general public through car-sharing services, such as Zity, or electric vehicles, such as the recently announced Mobilize Duo and Bento. The Renault subsidiary has announced that it wants to launch 200 fast charging stations for electric vehicles, including 90 in France by mid-2024. This is an ambitious launch for the brand, which faces a network of Tesla Superchargers of 120 stations and a hundred Ionity stations in France. The first Mobilize Fast Charge station is expected to open within a few months.
An extensive network and mesh
Mobilize wants to install 200 stations, including 90 in France by mid-2024. © Mobilize
Accessible to all electric vehicle drivers, regardless of brand, the Mobilize charging network is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each station will have six fast charging stations, up to 400 kW, for vehicles compatible. Holders of a Mobilize recharge card will also benefit from preferential rates for charging their car.
Mobilize relies on the strength of the Renault network to open a station, mainly around the brand’s dealerships, “less than five minutes from a freeway exit or expressway”. With 200 stations in Europe and no less than 90 in France, Mobilize promises a station every 150 km on major roads.
In Europe, Mobilize seems to rely heavily on the south of the Old Continent, particularly Spain, Italy and Belgium.
Reduce the impact on the electrical network
Fast charging stations have a significant impact on the French electricity network, especially when they are capable of delivering power of 400 kW. To reduce its impact on the grid, Mobilize opts for an intelligent energy management solution.
Each station embeds a stationary energy storage system. Clearly, it is a process of buffering energy via containers carrying vehicle batteries allowing energy to be stored when circumstances allow it, before redistributing it when the price of electricity increases. electricity or its availability could harm users. This stationary storage is able to deliver an instantaneous power of 600 kW.
In addition, for some stations, there is an installation of photovoltaic panels to produce electricity from solar energy. We do not know to what extent this installation will supply the Mobilize station.
All this aims to reduce the impact of fast charging stations on the electricity grid while minimizing costs, to offer users fast charging at the best price. It is also about giving a second life to car batteries, although this solution is not the majority in the mix.
More than a fast charging station
Mobilize also offers a relaxation area. © Mobilize
To differentiate itself, Mobilize intends to offer a complete service to its users. Despite the speed of the charge, it is common to have to wait more than twenty minutes before leaving, sometimes longer when the vehicle is not compatible with the highest powers.
If Tesla relies on the infotainment system of its electric cars, Mobilize is setting up a relaxation area where it will be possible to have a coffee or a snack, to rest, to play on the console or to work thanks to wifi. As an integral part of the stations, these spaces will also be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mobilize arrives with a bold proposition, rivaling Ionity or Tesla in terms of performance and benefits. If the proposal of 90 stations may seem thin, the network is intended to expand. By offering a second life to vehicle batteries and adding solar power to the equation, Mobilize presents a more virtuous vision of fleet electrification. A move to be encouraged.