Renault Group, MyWheels, and We Drive Solar, in partnership with the Municipality of Utrecht, have officially launched Utrecht Energized—Europe’s first large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) car-sharing service. The project combines shared electric vehicles with bidirectional charging to support a more stable, sustainable local grid.
Fifty Renault 5 E-Tech electric cars equipped with Mobilize’s V2G technology are now available via the MyWheels car-sharing platform. These vehicles can charge with solar energy and return electricity to the grid during peak hours, helping balance supply and demand in a city where 35% of rooftops are already solar-equipped.“To unlock the full potential of V2G, we need to break down existing barriers – from adapting fiscal rules and grid fees to promoting interoperability and simplifying certification processes. With the right alignment, V2G can become a cornerstone of tomorrow’s grid.”said Jérôme Faton, Mobilize Energy director.
The fleet is expected to grow to 500 vehicles, potentially covering 10% of the grid flexibility needed in the Utrecht region. This marks the first public deployment of Mobilize’s V2G solution, with infrastructure provided by We Drive Solar.
By integrating clean mobility and smart energy solutions, the initiative supports urban sustainability goals and sets a model for other European cities. Renault Group is calling for supportive policies to scale V2G across Europe, including clearer regulations, tax incentives, and streamlined grid integration.
