MOBILIZE SMART CHARGE FACTORS IN ECOWATT FORECASTS TO SUPPORT GRID STABILITY THIS WINTER

The Mobilize Smart Charge app helps Renault EV owners to save money and reduce their carbon footprint by scheduling charges for when it makes most sense, i.e. during off-peak periods and when demand is low, using green energy where possible.

By incorporating EcoWatt forecasts into the Mobilize Smart Charge app in a strained power market, Mobilize enables users in France to simply reduce their electricity consumption to alleviate pressure on the grid, while ensuring vehicles have enough charge to meet users’ driving needs.

The Mobilize Smart Charge factors in EcoWatt's forecasts with an alert on D-3 in case of risk of blackout, and the indication of peak consumption, hour by hour, with three signals: green, orange and red.

- Green means no alert. Mobilize Smart Charge favours charging during this period, optimising charging according to off-peak and peak hours

- Orange indicates that the grid is expected to be under strain and eco-actions are encouraged. Mobilize Smart Charge sets charging times based on off-peak and peak hours and, where possible, schedules charges for when demand is lowest. It strives to avoid scheduling charges during “orange” hours if the driver’s mobility parameters (i.e. minimum range, level of charge and departure time) allow it.

- Red signal is activated by RTE when the electricity system is very strained. Blackouts would be inevitable if consumption does not decrease. Mobilize Smart Charge informs users of the app to avoid or minimize charging: they can limit their consumption when the grid is under stress by lowering their minimum state-of-charge (SOC) threshold, and deferring charging to green periods. The app schedules charges for cost-effective periods, avoiding “red” hours where possible.

“Since the all-electric Mégane E-Tech was launched, more and more customers have been using the Mobilize Smart Charge app to reduce their electricity bills. We integrated EcoWatt forecasts into the app’s algorithm to enable our customers to charge their EVs responsibly, while ensuring they take advantage of the most cost-effective rates and have enough range for their needs,” says Corinne Frasson, Director of Energy Services at Mobilize.

The Mobilize Smart Charge app caters for people with electric Mégane, ZOE, Twingo and Kangoo E-Tech vehicles* in France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

* Including all-electric Mégane E-Tech, all-electric Twingo E-Tech, electric Kangoo E-Tech and electric ZOE E-Tech vehicles (produced since 29 October 2020 and equipped with R-LINK or EasyLink multimedia systems)