Mobilize launches bidirectional wallbox

Renault subsidiary Mobilize has begun production of the Mobilize PowerBox on the new production line at the Lacroix electronics plant in Beaupréau-en-Mauges, located southwest of Paris. The initial production capacity is 65,000 units per year. The goal is to soon introduce the charging station for all electric vehicles of the Renault Group brands. The company Lacroix, specialized in the development and manufacturing of connected solutions, equips the electronics facility Symbiose, opened in 2022, with a new production line for manufacturing the wallbox. Thanks to an automated and digitized Industry 4.0 strategy, Lacroix has a production capacity of initially 65,000 units per year. If needed, production volume can be adjusted or even doubled to meet potentially rising market demand. This aligns with Renault Group's goal of strengthening the electronics sector in France. The production site also benefits from a network of local suppliers to minimize the supply chain's environmental impact.

"Software République" as an Ecosystem

The so-called "Software République" represents an innovation ecosystem dedicated to intelligent, secure, and sustainable mobility. Thanks to the expertise of its members Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics, and Thales, as well as technology partner IoTecha Corp., the wallbox has been designed to offer the highest level of cybersecurity and to remain technologically up-to-date thanks to remote updates. The collective development effort has enabled the fast delivery of the charging station to Mobilize. Each partner contributes according to their expertise:

• IoTecha Corp: Field-proven intelligent charging hardware and software, industrial control, ISO15118, and OCPP protocols
• Orange: 4G telecommunications and related services
• Renault Group: Charging system architecture for electric vehicles
• STMicroelectronics: Microprocessor, communication, and security
• Thales: Cybersecurity, data protection, and access management

A Charging Station that Stays Up to Date

The charging solution adapts to all single-phase or three-phase electrical installations. It can be installed both indoors and outdoors, either wall-mounted or free-standing. In private homes, it is integrated into the home's electrical ecosystem. It benefits from dynamic energy management, which allows for the adjustment of charging power to available capacity, thereby contributing to a stable network in the house. The system operates on alternating current (AC). It provides a charging power of up to 22 kW, depending on the electrical installation and the vehicle’s charging capacity. The Mobilize PowerBox is compatible with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles equipped with a Type 2 connector. To meet the different needs of individuals and businesses, the Mobilize PowerBox is available in four versions. All versions are intended to benefit from automatic updates and remote diagnostics (FOTA, Firmware over the Air) via the internet. They are delivered with a Type 2 socket or, outside of France, with a 6.5-meter cable. The UNO PRO and VERSO versions also feature 4G connectivity.