It may come as a surprise to current Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 van owners but the battery powering their 100% electric vehicles is smarter than they may think.
Not only does the battery power the vehicle, but it also doubles up as a portable power storage unit, helping consumers and business save money and more efficiently regulate electricity in their local community.
This technological innovation (called Vehicle-to-Grid or V2G), realised in Europe through Nissan’s partnership with utility Endesa, gives power back to the consumer as they can proactively manage how they drawdown and re-use their electricity. What that means is that Nissan EV owners can charge their batteries during low demand, cheap periods with the option of using the electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery at home when power costs are higher or sell it back to the grid for profit.
This ‘battery on wheels’ concept is a real game-changer for Nissan LEAF and e-NV200 owners and offers a far smarter, more realistic power storage capability versus other companies who are pinning their hopes on rather large, intrusive “stationary storage” options. The bi-directional capability of the Nissan EV power storage unit means owners can reduce their total cost of ownership and support grid stability – making these vehicles more than just cars and vans…they’re social assets.
And the good news is that owners of Nissan’s electric vehicles are already in the driving seat with this innovative technology right at their fingertips. The collaboration with Endesa will give customers access to a unique energy management system which can also integrate off-grid, and renewable, power generation such as solar panels and wind turbines.
By having the ability to store and release green energy into the grid, V2G technology is further proof of the significance and multiple benefits of e-mobility and Nissan’s role as electric vehicle experts – it goes way beyond driving.
