Nissan enhances vehicle-to-grid charging

Nissan has developed a new bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging solution for electric vehicles (EVs).

The technology is said to make EV charging cheaper by up to 50%.

EVs equipped with V2G technology can also play a crucial role in integrating and increasing the mix of renewables into the energy supply, by storing electricity generated by wind or solar, and directing it back into the grid when needed, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan vice president, global electrification ecosystem & EV programs, said: "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.

"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."

Nissan has developed its V2G technology in partnership with Enovates (a charger developer) and Dreev (a subsidiary of EDF Energy). A year-long trial has taken place at the University of Nottingham.

The V2G technology will launch on an updated version of the Ariya, in 2026, as well as featuring on future electric Nissan models.

Nissan plans to offer a bespoke wallbox home charger and a tariff designed to maximise the benefits of bi-directional charging when it launches.