An advanced solution for managing charging stations for electric vehicles within smart grids.
An innovative charging solution will be introduced at the global level by 2nd half-2012: fast AC charge.
Rome, March 16th, 2012 Enel and Renault have taken another step towards developing e-mobility. Thanks to the interaction between the respective control systems, a sophisticated model of dialogue between electric car and charging infrastructure kicks off. The new service, integrated with the Renault Carminat TomTom Z.E. Live navigation system, indicates to the customer in real time the location of the 3 Enel charging points closest to its position and information on their availability. The customer may be so driven to an available point charge in all serenity.
The new feature available on Renault electric cars for monitoring Enels public charging station network is a first example of an integrated solution that will enable a wide range of services. In the future, drivers will be able to reserve a charging station, determine the most effective way to manage charges and maximize the use of renewable power.
In the integration system developed by Enel and Renault charging stations are managed within the smart grid system in order to offer new generation electric vehicles a series of innovative services already in use in smart distribution grids. And electric cars contribute to the same smart grids by taking advantage of opportunities now possible with the new electricity distribution network.
The Enel-Renault partnership sees the two companies also engaged in the development shortly of a fast charge system using 43 kW alternating current (AC) power. Tested by mid-2012 for a successive introduction into the market, the system will allow to do a fast charge of 80% of the battery in approximately 30 minutes on electric vehicles able to handle such levels of power in AC. Enel in turn will set up this first charging stations that will represent a new charging solution on the world stage and a reference standard for public fast charge.
The fast charge will be available firstly on Renault ZOE, 100% electric city car that will be launched in late 2012 and later on Renault Fluence Z.E. and Renault Kangoo Z.E.