Nissan and EDF have signed a deal to work together on developing smart charging solutions, known as vehicle to grid (V2G), for electric vehicles (EVs).

The agreement, which applies to the UK, France, Belgium and Italy, will see Nissan sell V2G compatible EVs, and EDF provide V2G charging solutions and related services.

Smart charging or V2G refers to technologies that optimise the charging or discharging of an EV in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Today’s agreement, follows a previous partnership in the UK between EDF Energy and Nissan. Signed last year, the two organisations agreed to collaborate around the development of shared offerings in the areas of electric mobility, smart charging, second-life battery use, energy storage and renewable energy sources.

Béatrice Bigois, managing director for customers at EDF Energy, said: “Our customers are looking to us to help them transition to electric vehicles, and smart charging technologies are crucial to this journey.

“By combining our expertise with Nissan, we are able to work together to make low-carbon transport a reality for businesses today and for wider society in the near future.

“Our ability to offer our customers solutions that will help them to invest in electric vehicles and start to realise the financial and environmental benefits they bring is achievable through partnerships such as this.”

Smart charging solutions include technologies to control when vehicles charge and how quickly they power up, as well as allow the two-way flow of electricity between vehicle and charger.

Thanks to V2G technologies, the energy accumulated in the batteries of EVs can also be used for businesses own energy needs or the grid when required – a benefit that will become increasingly important as greater numbers of EVs arrive on our roads and to help balance intermittent renewable generation.

The energy that is stored in an EV like the Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 van can be sold back to the grid by the customer, generating additional revenue to offset vehicle ownership costs.

The financial, environmental and societal benefits of V2G have made it a highly anticipated innovation in the market, but one which has not fully progressed to this point, say Nissan and EDF.

The partnership between manufacturer and energy provider, they say, marks a huge step towards realising this electric future, creating a practical solution that benefits businesses and wider society alike.

Francisco Carranza, managing director for Nissan Energy in Europe, concluded: “This new partnership with EDF across four major European markets is another sign that our vision of an electric ecosystem is becoming a reality.

“Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits and opportunities offered by the Nissan LEAF and e-NV200, and adding a V2G solution is a logical next step for managing their energy supply and opening new revenue opportunities.”

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