Groupe Renault invests in start-up smart charging firm

Groupe Renault has announced that it is acquiring a 25 per cent share in Jedlix - a dutch start-up specialising in smart charging for electric vehicles.

The alliance marks a key step forward in Renault’s ambition to become a major player in the ecosystem of the electric vehicle.

Together, the two companies will develop new offers for the electric vehicle users, based on Jedlix's expertise in smart charging and its in-depth knowledge of the energy sector, along with the electric vehicle experience and skills of Renault.

Gilles Normand, senior vice president, Electric Vehicle, Renault said: “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 more easy and affordable.”

As a result of this partnership, 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.