Renault buys stake in charging company 11 | 10 | 2017
GROUPE RENAULT HAS acquired a 25% share in smart charging company Jedlix. The Dutch start-up was launched by the Eneco Group which specialises in sustainable charging of electric vehicles. (Related: Roadtest — Renault ZOE Dynamique R90 Z.E)
Both companies have been partners since Jedlix was formed in 2015, since when both companies have worked together to offer EV users better ways to charge their cars. The partnership combines Renault’s EV manufacturing experience with Jedlix’s knowledge of the energy sector.
The first fruits of the new partnership is the launch of a new smartphone app called Z.E. Smart Charge. Integrated into the driver’s Renault EV, the app optimises the vehicle charge management when the car is plugged in, so that the EV can charge at more efficient times.
Drivers tell the app the charge level they need and their departure time, then the app supplies the EV with the minimum charge requested by the driver for their journey, with the remaining charge delivered in smart charging mode.
The Z.E. Smart Charge app also rewards users for being efficient and flexible with charging, i.e. charging their EV during off-peak times when the electrical grid is at its quietest. The rewards, which include the equivalent of a full battery charge, are given monthly.
The app will be launched in the Netherlands before the end of the year while the rest of Europe will get it in 2018. The app is compatible with both the iOS and Android operating systems.
Related: Renault launches Iconic Twingo
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Jim McGill