“Smart” island gets 20 EVs for electric ecosystem

A “Smart Fossil-Free Island” where everything is electric is fast becoming reality on a Portugese island.

It sounds somewhat similar to “Fantasy Island” – a 1970s-80s television series about an island where dreams come true – but this real.

European electric vehicle leader Groupe Renault and energy supplier Empresa de Electricitade da Madeira (EEM) have announced the launch of a smart electric ecosystem on Porto Santo in the Madeira archipelago.

The government of the Autonomous Region of Madeira will roll out an innovative project known as “Sustainable Porto Santo – Smart Fossil-Free Island” to facilitate the energy transition.

This world-first smart island uses electric vehicles, second-life batteries, smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging to boost the island’s energy independence and stimulate the production of renewable energy.

Groupe Renault, EEM and their partners have been working on the project since the beginning of the year. It is expected to last 18 months.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with EEM to establish this unprecedented smart electric ecosystem which demonstrates to what extent the electric revolution is changing our everyday lives beyond just transport,” Electric Vehicles and New Business Programme director Eric Feunteun says.

“Our aim is to build a model that can be carried over to other islands, eco-districts and cities, while consistently striving to achieve large-scale rollout of electric mobility solutions that are affordable for all.”

The project comprises three complementary phases. Firstly, 20 volunteer users in Porto Santo will drive 14 Zoes and six Kangoo Z.E.s for their everyday use. These vehicles will be able to benefit from smart charging, thanks to the island’s 40 connected public and private charging points.

Secondly, by the end of 2018, the vehicles will step up their interaction with the grid by providing it with electricity during peak hours, serving as temporary energy storage units.

Thirdly, second-life batteries from Renault EVs will be used to store energy produced by Porto Santo’s solar and wind farms, recovered by the grid when needed.

It’s in line with Renault’s strategy to become a major player in electric vehicle ecosystems and a supplier of smart mobility solutions for cities.