Starting now, you'll find something truly special in Utrecht: the brand-new electric Renault 5s from MyWheels can not only charge but also feed electricity back into the grid. This is known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). With this technology, they not only offer an attractive alternative to car ownership but also contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy system for the neighborhood.
MyWheels shared cars power Utrecht
A world first in the Netherlands
Shared car becomes a mobile neighborhood battery
How it works
V2G stands for Vehicle-to-Grid. This means that an electric car doesn't just draw power from the electricity grid to charge but can also return it. When there's high demand for electricity, such as in the early evening, the parked car can help by temporarily supplying energy back to the grid. This transforms our cars into mobile neighborhood batteries.
Why this is so special
The Renault 5 helps absorb peaks in the power grid and thus offers a solution to grid congestion—500 of these cars are expected to alleviate about 10% of the pressure on the grid. At the same time, we're building more sustainable cities: shared cars that return power make our living environment smarter, greener, and better prepared for the future. And Utrecht? It holds the world first: for the first time, shared cars are being deployed on a large scale with V2G technology.
Try MyWheels in Utrecht
To celebrate this world first in Utrecht, MyWheels is offering a €15 discount on your first or next ride. Use the code UTRECHT15 when booking. The discount can be used once and is only valid for MyWheels cars in Utrecht. This promotion runs until July 31, 2025.
Don't live in Utrecht but want to try MyWheels for the first time? Then book a free test ride.
How does it work for you as a user?
When you book the Renault 5, you're booking a powerful neighborhood battery. You won't notice any difference. Here's how it works:
- You book a car in the app for when you need it;
- We ensure the car is sufficiently charged at your departure time;
- Upon return, you park the car back in its designated spot;
- The car charges automatically—and smartly feeds back energy when needed.
What this means for the future
Expansion to more cities: After Utrecht, we aim to implement the same in other cities. This way, we're building a more efficient energy network throughout the Netherlands.
Development of business applications: What if companies could soon use V2G cars in their fleets? That would benefit their sustainability goals and energy bills. We're actively working to create an attractive offer for our business customers.
Partners
This innovation is the result of a strategic collaboration between Renault, We Drive Solar, the Municipality of Utrecht, and MyWheels.
Frequently asked questions
Does the car end up with an empty battery?
No. The system ensures there's always enough power in the battery for the next trip. You won't notice a thing.
Do I need to do anything differently as a MyWheels user when reserving?
You book and use the car as usual. Want to be sure of a full battery for a long trip? Then book the car at least 2 hours in advance. At departure, disconnect the cable by pressing the button in the car's charging port. You don't need a charging fob for this.
Do I need to do anything differently when charging the cars?
Upon returning to the designated spot, connect the car to the We Drive Solar charging station (recognizable by the yellow sun icon). You don't need to use the charging fob for this. You'll see a blinking 5 on the hood when the car is charging. If you're charging en route at a station from another provider, then you do use the charging fob.
Does this affect the rental price?
No, you simply pay the regular affordable MyWheels rate.
What about charging during the trip?
If your trip is longer than the battery range, you can charge en route at public (fast) charging stations. Use the charging fob located in the car. The cost of the charging session is covered by MyWheels.
When will V2G be available in other cities?
We're in discussions with other cities to deploy V2G technology there as well to balance the power grid. Keep an eye on MyWheels updates for more information.
