Nissan: From 2026 V2G, from 2028 with solid-state battery!

Nissan has big plans again, but is putting all of this under the motto of affordability! This buys them some time and breathing room – as with the topic of V2G, which they had already subtly started with the then-new second Leaf: Back then, Nissan wanted to offer it in the UK as an "all-in" package, including the wall box, home storage, inverter, and solar cells. However, with such a lavish package, the car soon became the smaller part of the investment financially.

Now, newer and more cautiously: They plan to introduce affordable Vehicle-to-Grid technology from 2026. The plan remains to offer the next Leaf, Juke, and Qashqai as electric-only by 2030. All vehicles should offer affordable, bidirectional onboard charging from 2026, although it is cautiously added that it is "for selected electric vehicles"...since the Micra will become a Renault 5 and the vans...might still come from the former "alliance partner," about which they prefer not to comment too much in Cranfield.

Brief digression: The so-called "Vehicle-to-Grid" technology (V2G) allows the energy stored in the high-voltage batteries of electric cars to be used for the power supply of one's own home or fed into the public grid. The technology is set to be expanded to other European markets after its start in the UK. It is still unclear if it can be integrated into existing smart home energy systems if you already have PV and/or buffer storage. And what this would look like in detail if you change your electricity provider.

In Cranfield, they are particularly proud of the "G99 Grid Code": After successful one-year testing at the University of Nottingham, Nissan is the first automotive company to receive the "G99 Grid Code" certification from TÜV Rheinland for an AC-based solution, which is required for feeding electricity into the public grid of the UK. This makes it clear: they are starting locally again because, unfortunately, in the EU, there is still no complete agreement regarding some details... Under the name "Nissan Energy," the company intends to introduce V2G technology throughout Europe and other markets. Depending on local infrastructure and legal requirements, customers will be offered V2G solutions based on alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

Up to 50% less electricity costs! 

The whole thing costs a bit, but Nissan is committed to the customer and has already done the math: With bidirectional V2G technology, customers can reduce their annual electricity costs, incurred with an electric car, by up to fifty percent*. Also, the net CO2 emissions from charging in an average household in the UK can be reduced by up to thirty percent per year and electric vehicle.

At the same time, V2G-capable electric vehicles play a crucial role in the integration and expansion of renewable energy: They can store wind and solar energy and feed it back into the grid when needed, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

One of the bidirectional systems that Nissan offers is the integrated onboard AC charger certified in the UK. It lowers entry costs and makes the technology accessible to more people. Nissan aims for a price level on par with today's unidirectional chargers. By incorporating the technology into the car, Nissan makes itself largely independent of external factors. In addition to the low entry costs, the V2G system offers customers full control and flexibility over their energy supply via a special app.

Behind this is Nissan's strategy to create a fully integrated energy ecosystem: sustainably manufactured electric vehicles that drive emission-free, are charged with clean energy, and can feed electricity back into both the home and the public grid.

"The technology we offer our customers has the potential to change the way we view cars. It's no longer just a means of transportation from A to B, but a mobile energy storage that helps people save money, supports the shift away from fossil fuels, and brings us closer to a CO2-free future," explains Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan Vice President Global Electrification Ecosystem & EV Programs, and adds:

"Nissan is proud to democratize technology to benefit society. An onboard solution for mutual charging will significantly reduce the costs of integrating an electric car into the energy supply and offer the opportunity to use the vehicle as a source of income throughout its lifecycle."