Nissan to introduce low-cost V2G tech.
Nissan, the renowned vehicle manufacturer, has recently made an exciting announcement that is set to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company revealed its plans to introduce affordable on-board bi-directional charging for selected electric vehicles starting from 2026.
This innovative technology, known as on-board bi-directional V2G, promises to significantly reduce the annual cost of powering an EV by up to 50%. Additionally, it can lower the net CO2 emissions from charging by 30% per EV for the average UK household.
Nissan’s decision to implement this new charging system is part of its broader initiative to create a sustainable energy ecosystem. This move aligns with the company’s business plan, The Arc, which emphasises the importance of innovation in facilitating the transition to electric vehicles and unlocking new revenue streams. It also supports Nissan’s overarching goal, Ambition 2030.
The Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology enables EV owners to utilise the electricity stored in their car’s battery to power their homes or sell it back to the grid. The initial launch of this system will take place in the UK, followed by a rollout in other European markets. To provide customers with enhanced control and flexibility over their energy usage, Nissan will offer a dedicated app along with the V2G technology.
Nissan’s venture into on-board bi-directional charging is backed by its extensive experience in V2G trials. The company has conducted approximately 40 pilot projects worldwide over the past decade. Notably, a year-long project at The University of Nottingham in the UK enabled Nissan to secure G99 Grid code certification with an AC-based solution, a prerequisite for supplying electricity to the UK national energy grid.
Operating under the Nissan Energy brand, the company aims to expand the reach of its V2G technology across Europe and globally, where the requisite infrastructure and regulatory conditions are met.
The V2G UK trial has received partial funding from the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), an entity established to facilitate and expedite the automotive industry’s transition towards achieving net zero emissions. Furthermore, Nissan has collaborated with Dreev, a joint venture between EDF and NUVVE, for data collection, customer profiling, and the formulation of charging and discharging plans through analysis from the wall box, provided by Enovates, a mobility technology company based in Belgium.
Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan’s Vice President for Global Electrification Ecosystem & EV Programs, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the technology, stating, “The technology we are bringing to customers is a potential game-changer for how we view the car. Not just as a means of getting from A to B, but as a mobile energy storage unit, capable of saving people money, supporting the transition of our energy systems away from fossil fuels and bringing us closer to a carbon-free future.”
Desmarchelier added, “Nissan is proud to democratise technology for the benefit of society. The breakthrough in an on-board solution for two-way charging will be a substantial reduction in the cost of integrating a future EV into your energy supply, and the ability to leverage the car as a source of income over its lifecycle.”
Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the APC, hailed the collaboration between stakeholders in pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology and research and development in the UK as a significant milestone in decarbonisation efforts. He emphasised the importance of investing in such innovative technologies as part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve sustainable energy goals.
Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a greener transport network by partnering with industry players to boost consumer confidence and increase the adoption of EVs on the roads.
Eric Mévellec, CEO of Dreev, shared his enthusiasm for being part of this technological advancement, stating, “We have been working alongside Nissan for years on this revolutionary technological adventure, and we are thrilled to be a part of this new chapter. We are convinced that, by reducing the electricity bill for customers while providing huge storage capabilities for the electrical system, V2x technology has a major role to play in the energy transition.”
Bart Vereecke, CEO of Enovates, echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “This test marks an important step in creating a sustainable, interconnected energy future where electric vehicles play a central role in sustainable mobility solutions and resolving energy grid congestions.”
Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, highlighted the pressing need for affordable, reliable, and clean energy supply in society today. He envisioned a future where customers derive their energy not only from traditional power stations but also from their parked car, presenting an integrated, flexible, and cleaner energy solution.
Nissan’s foray into on-board bi-directional charging represents a significant leap forward in the EV industry, promising a more sustainable and cost-effective energy ecosystem for both individuals and the planet at large.
Image and video courtesy of Nissan
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