Renault and EDF launch new EV service

Renault and EDF have signed an agreement to provide a new service starting in summer 2027 that combines an electric vehicle, a home charging station, and intelligent charging control. The service is aimed at individual customers of Renault's Alpine and Dacia models.

Bidirectional charging introduced in France

The initiative marks the beginning of large-scale bidirectional charging in France, allowing vehicles to return electricity from their batteries to the grid when connected. This represents a significant step in the integration of electric vehicles into the energy system.

EDF handles installations and control

EDF will install the charging stations, while the Dreev platform—owned jointly by EDF and NUVVE—will manage the charging and discharging processes. The partnership aims to make the deployment of electric vehicles easier by offering a complete service from IZI by EDF.

V2G technology has existed for years

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows vehicles to send electricity back to the grid, is not new. Components like bidirectional inverters and communication protocols have been available for several years, along with test models.

Challenges remain for large-scale use

Despite existing technology, challenges such as vehicle compatibility, battery guarantees from manufacturers, and the availability of bidirectional charging stations have limited large-scale adoption. Now, with Renault and EDF's commitment, these barriers may be overcome.

Electric vehicles as energy reserves

As the number of electric vehicles grows, their combined battery capacity could serve as a flexible energy reserve. If managed well, this could complement stationary batteries and reduce the need for additional grid capacity. However, poor management might worsen evening electricity demand peaks.