Nissan to Launch Affordable Bi-Directional Charging for EVs by 2026, in Partnership with University of Nottingham

The initiative forms a key step towards its vision of creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.

The Vehicle to Grid (V2G), or Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology, which allows EV (electric vehicle) owners to use electricity stored in their car’s battery to power their homes, or sell it back into the grid, will launch in the UK initially, followed by other markets in Europe.

The project progresses the commitment made in Nissan’s business plan, delivering differentiated innovation that enables the EV transition, while unlocking new revenue streams. It also supports the company’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030, to create a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.

The project is underpinned by Nissan’s extensive experience in V2G, with around 40 pilot projects conducted worldwide throughout the past decade.

Following a successful year-long project at the University of Nottingham, Nissan has become the first car company to gain G99 Grid code certification with an AC-based solution, needed to supply electricity into the UK national energy supply.

The University of Nottingham has hosted Nissan on campus for the past year to allow them to run their testing and space to experiment. Staff with significant research experience in V2G have supported the project, and its integration within energy systems.

The University of Nottingham was also pivotal in the trial, providing a base of operations at its on-campus Creative Energy Homes, a 8-home micro-grid research test bed, and supporting academic research.

Under the banner of Nissan Energy, the company’s aim is to roll-out V2G technology across markets in Europe and beyond, empowering consumers with either AC or DC-based V2G solutions, in alignment with local infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

By using Nissan’s on-board bi-directional V2G technology, customers can cut the annual cost of powering an EV by 50%**. The same technology can also reduce net CO2 emissions from charging by 30% per year, per EV for the average UK household.

EVs equipped with V2G technology can 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.

I’m delighted that our collaboration with Nissan has enabled such a significant breakthrough that will transform the future of electric mobility and contribute to more efficient and resilient energy systems.

Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, Chair in Sustainable and Resilient Cities at the University of Nottingham

She continued: “This is a great step forward in the sector and will hopefully be the start of seeing such developments across other companies and countries as we move towards cleaner methods of energy and transport.”

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 is continuing to work with the university, and other partners, to achieve the necessary grid certification in other markets, develop a seamless user experience and expand the technology availability to more customers.

Chairperson of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, Guillaume Cartier, commented: “One of the big challenges faced by society today is energy supply – how do we make it affordable, reliable and clean.

“At Nissan, we see a future for our customers where their energy comes from the car on the driveway – not only the power station – fully integrated, flexible and cleaner.”