Nissan has announced plans to integrate Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology into its electric vehicles (EVs) starting in 2026, marking a significant step towards the company's vision of creating a sustainable energy ecosystem. The initiative will launch in the UK before expanding to other European markets, aligning with the global push towards cleaner energy solutions and greater energy independence.
As of early 2024, around 1.5 million UK homes were equipped with solar panels, representing approximately 5% of the total 28 million homes. This figure has been steadily rising, driven by increasing affordability and awareness of renewable energy options. In terms of ‘home battery storage', adoption is also growing, with government incentives such as zero VAT for battery installations helping to drive uptake. By the end of 2024, around 8 GW of battery storage is expected to be available, though it's important to note that not all homes with solar panels currently have battery storage systems.
So while solar panels are becoming more common, home battery storage is still in the early stages. However, advances in the technologies surrounding batteries and increased awareness of the financial benefits, means that much of the UK will be considering a new way of working with energy at home by 2050. Nissan's announcement hopes to plug directly into that trend.
Nissan’s Commitment to a Greener Future
The integration of V2G technology is part of Nissan’s long-term strategy, detailed in its business plan, The Arc, which focuses on delivering innovation in the electric vehicle sector. This latest development also supports Nissan's Ambition 2030 initiative, which envisions a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world powered by sustainable energy solutions.
With V2G technology, Nissan aims to allow EV owners to utilise the electricity stored in their car batteries to power their homes or even sell excess electricity back to the grid. This bi-directional charging capability could offer consumers significant savings on energy costs while contributing to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions.
Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Electrification Ecosystem & EV Programs, described the technology as a “game-changer”, 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.”
Grid Certification and UK Leadership
Nissan has made significant strides in making this technology a reality, becoming the first automotive company to achieve Grid Code certification in the UK for an AC-based V2G solution. This certification was secured following a successful year-long project at the University of Nottingham, which served as a testing ground for the technology. The V2G solution is expected to offer significant savings to consumers, reducing the cost of powering EVs by as much as 50% and decreasing net CO2 emissions from charging by 30% for the average UK household.
The UK's adoption of solar power and battery storage systems has been growing steadily, with over 1.4 million homes already equipped with solar panels, representing around 5% of the country’s households. The integration of V2G technology adds a new dimension to how energy is managed at home. For households already utilising solar panels and battery storage, the ability to tap into their EVs for power adds another layer of flexibility and potential cost savings.
Affordable and Accessible Bi-directional Charging
Nissan plans to roll out its V2G technology with a focus on affordability, ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of consumers. The company is developing an AC bi-directional charging system that integrates an on-board charger, reducing the overall cost of installation. According to Nissan, this new system will be offered at a price comparable to today’s mono-directional chargers, making it a viable option for more households.
Additionally, the system will come with a dedicated app, providing users with complete control over their energy management. This includes the ability to decide when to charge their vehicles, when to discharge stored energy, and when to sell electricity back to the grid, offering both flexibility and the potential for income generation.
A Broader Energy Shift
Nissan’s V2G technology comes at a critical time for the UK and Europe, where energy costs and the transition to renewables are major concerns. The UK government has set ambitious targets to decarbonise the energy sector, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In line with this, the growth of solar energy and battery storage has become a focal point of the UK’s renewable energy strategy. However, with only a small percentage of UK homes currently benefiting from these technologies, the introduction of V2G could help accelerate the transition by making energy management more accessible and cost-effective.
By storing energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar, Nissan's V2G technology can help balance the energy grid, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and providing greater resilience to fluctuations in energy supply. Ian Constance, CEO of the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “Investing in pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology is part of a system-level approach to decarbonisation.”
Collaborative Efforts and Future Expansion
The V2G technology trial in the UK has been supported by the UK government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, as well as several private partners, including Dreev and Enovates. These companies have played key roles in the trial, with Dreev managing data collection and charging plans, while Enovates developed the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), or wall box, which communicates energy demands between the grid and the vehicle.
Nissan is continuing to collaborate with these partners to achieve grid certification in other markets and further refine the user experience. The company’s aim is to make V2G technology available to more customers across Europe, contributing to a broader shift in how energy is generated, stored, and utilised.
The Future of Energy
Nissan’s V2G technology represents a major step towards the future of energy, where electric vehicles are not just a mode of transport but integral components of the energy ecosystem. With the ability to provide power to homes and the grid, these vehicles will play a crucial role in reducing energy costs, cutting emissions, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
As V2G technology becomes more widely available, it is expected to have a profound impact on how households manage their energy needs, offering new ways to achieve energy independence and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Discussion about this post