Renault: Mobilize plans ultra-rapid charging network in Europe
Renault’s Mobilize has announced plans for a network of ultra-fast charging hubs in Europe. Mobilize Fast Charge will comprise 200 sites with six charge points, each adding up to 1,200 plugs. Mobilize will rely on Renault dealers located near motorways for locations.
In France alone, Mobilize wants to install 90 such charging hubs, equivalent to one ultrafast station every 150 km on France’s trunk roads, so Renault. However, the charge points will be open to drivers of any electric car with holders of Mobilize recharge cards to enjoy preferential rates.
“Mobilize Fast Charge is helping by providing all electric vehicle drivers with access to ultrafast charging points whatever brand they drive,” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO of Mobilize. “To make this happen, Mobilize is leveraging two of Renault Group’s strengths: its granular sales network and Mobilize Power Solutions’ expertise.”
The brand reportedly responsible for new mobility and related energy services under the Renault umbrella specifies charging powers of up to 400 kW at the new hubs – guaranteed. This is thanks to an intelligent load management system combined with stationary storage using retired electric vehicle batteries and, in some places, solar power from photovoltaic panels. Mobilize claims the storage system will be able to deliver 600 kW of instantaneous power, even when several cars are charging at the same time.
As for scale, Mobilize expects drivers to be able to drive from Hamburg to Seville once it completes the network by mid-2024. The installations will also include a rest area where drivers can enjoy a coffee or snack, use the Wi-Fi connection, or charge their phone or laptop before continuing their journey, so Mobilize.
Mobilize Power Solutions, formerly Elexent oversees the project and is Mobilize’s specialist in charging solutions. The unit conducted preliminary studies to identify the best locations for the Mobilize Fast Charge network.
Renault introduced the spin-off as part of its Renaulution strategy in 2020 and has since detailed its tasks. The new business unit is developing data, mobility and energy-related services, and Renault aims to get more than 20 per cent of group sales from these services by 2030.
The Group reportedly seeks to enter the circular economy in various ways. Renault has startups working at the ‘Refactory’ in Flins to deliver mobile, stationery and retrofit solutions.
Mobilize’s partnership with the Berlin-based startup ‘betteries AMPS GmbH’ is possibly essential here. They are producing energy storage systems based on retired electric car batteries called betterPacks, which can reach a maximum capacity of 9.2 kWh.
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