Renault Acquires 25% of Jedlix, Smart Charging Startup
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Groupe Renault is launching a new smartphone app, Z.E. Smart Charge, as part a fresh new partnership with Jedlix. Renault never slows down, and its 25% investment in this Dutch startup focused on smart charging is another expansion of its ecosystem approach to electric vehicles. Renault and Jedlix have actually been collaborating since 2015 to improve electric life for early adopters, so the French auto giant must have liked what it has seen in that time.
Renault tags its new app, Z.E. Smart Charge, as “the app that earns users money.” In applicable locations, it allows Renault EV drivers to benefit from lower electricity prices since it helps them to charge at times of relatively high electricity production compared to demand.
Ruben Benders, managing director of Jedlix, says: “Our partnership with Groupe Renault will help us to create the best possible smart charging service and to offer its benefits to a large and diverse customer base throughout Europe.”
Renault, of course, has been a leading force in the European transition to electric vehicles, and it intends to do much more soon. Last week, a CleanTechnica post reported that Renault aims to bring 8 all-electric vehicle models and 12 electrified vehicle models to market by 2022. This is part of its newly unveiled “Drive The Future 2017–2022” plan.
Certainly, the company is not resting on the laurels of its early EV sales leadership. Renault continues to improve its support for all systems required for electric mobility working, while also working on new electric models.
CleanTechnica reported recently as well that Groupe Renault has a new business entity — Renault Energy Services — focused on smart charging, battery reuse, and vehicle-to-grid systems. “Renault Energy Services will focus primarily on the development of smart charging, vehicle-to-grid interaction, and second life batteries.”
Gilles Normand, Senior Vice President, Electric Vehicle, Renault explained further: “A pioneer in the electric vehicle market, Renault has confirmed its leadership position by developing innovative partnerships. With Jedlix, we will provide new services to make charging – and thus the use of electric vehicles – even easier and affordable.”
Renault adds: “In the first achievement of the partnership with Jedlix, Renault is launching Z.E. Smart Charge, a new smartphone app. The app optimises the management of vehicle charges to benefit as much as possible from renewable energy and the lowest prices. Users indicate the charge level they need and the departure time of their car. After supplying the minimum charge requested by the user, the app manages the rest of the charge in smart charging mode.
“In addition, Z.E. Smart Charge rewards users financially for being flexible about their charges. Every month, the user receives an amount, which could be equivalent of up to a complete charge. Z.E. Smart Charge will be available in the Netherlands before the end of the year and will be rolled-out in other European countries in 2018. It can be used on all types of smartphones or tablets with iOS or Android operating systems.”
The Renault Zoe continues to lead the European EV crowd, with the most sales on the continent:
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