In partnership with Munich-based tech firm The Mobility House, Renault has now rolled out vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging for the Renault 5 in France, marking a significant step forward for V2G technology. This capability is slated for introduction in the UK in 2025. Although implementation in Germany faces some challenges, The Mobility House anticipates a breakthrough there by 2025.
In France, the V2G offering, led by Renault’s Mobilize division and The Mobility House, is now ready for market deployment. This technology enables car batteries to integrate with the electricity grid in a practical, scalable manner for consumers. By channeling power back into the grid, vehicle owners have the opportunity to offset charging costs, effectively making charging "free" as they can earn revenue by supplying energy. The Renault 5 and recently launched Alpine A290 are equipped to support this function. To enable bidirectional charging, users will need Renault’s PowerBox Verso AC charging station along with the Mobilize Power energy contract managed by The Mobility House.
Beyond France, the rollout is expanding. “The UK will follow in 2025, with Germany continuing to refine its regulatory framework to accommodate V2G,” says The Mobility House. The company is contributing technology and expertise to help manage the aggregation of battery power, energy trading, and provision of grid services, all under an innovative energy tariff. Through a dedicated app, users can control charge levels and other key parameters.
Some concerns have been raised about the potential impact of V2G on battery life. The Mobility House assures consumers that they have found no significant wear on the batteries due to V2G usage, with battery warranties covered by Renault.
When asked why France can move ahead while other countries face delays, The Mobility House cites more favorable regulatory frameworks in France and the UK, where supportive policies, smart meter rollouts, and digitalization efforts are already established. Unlike Germany, where the grid is managed by over 900 operators, France has a single distribution grid managed by Enedis, simplifying the implementation.
In Germany, regulatory obstacles like double grid fees and a slower smart meter rollout continue to be barriers. According to The Mobility House, the delays stem from the statutory meter operators and a lack of digital processes among the grid operators, hindering progress.
In the UK, however, bidirectional charging is advancing steadily. The nationwide smart meter rollout is progressing, with second-generation smart meters being deployed. The UK’s six distribution system operators, organized under the ENA, have fully digitalized and standardized processes, enabling easier V2G adoption.
The country-specific regulatory environments reflect Renault’s V2G rollout schedule. Renault’s German launch of the electric R5 in May did not include V2G functionality due to regulatory delays. Although V2G is being introduced in France, the German models will initially only support vehicle-to-load (V2L) functions like powering external devices at 3.7 kW.
Despite the staggered rollout, The Mobility House sees the launch in France as a milestone for V2G, paving the way for EVs to act as both transportation and energy storage assets. CEO Thomas Raffeiner recalls that the team has been pioneering this technology since the company’s founding in 2009, and the France launch is proof of its technical viability. The next goal is to demonstrate the potential for cost-free and emissions-free EV usage in Germany.
The Mobility House is also exploring how EV charging flexibility can support the grid without sacrificing user convenience. Launched in 2023, their "eyond" service offers private EV owners the opportunity to generate income through unidirectional, and soon bidirectional, charging flexibility. This service aims to align renewable energy availability with user charging needs, leveraging flexibility in electricity markets and passing savings on to consumers. With "eyond," customers benefit financially while supporting grid stability through a platform that aggregates and trades their EV charging flexibility across various energy markets.
Original News Website:
electrive.com,mobilityhouse.com, themobilityhouse.com (Factsheet, PDF)
Tags: #V2G #V2L #vehicle-to-grid #vehicle-to-load
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