Nissan and E.On have deployed 20 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) EV charge points at the Japanese manufacturer’s European Technical Centre at Cranfield, as part of a trial to demonstrate how electric vehicles can play a part in supporting the UK grid.
Intended to help provide a profitable and sustainable solution for fleets, the V2G chargers allow Nissan’s electric vehicle range – the Leaf and e-NV200 – to either draw charge to top up the battery, or discharge to boost electricity supplies when demand is high.
The trial has proved a success and Nissan is now looking for further participants for the trials, with plans to roll-out V2G chargers for organisations across the UK.
Luke Ellis, V2G Programme Manager with E.On UK, said: “Now that we’ve proven the technology’s capabilities with these 20 installs, we’re a step closer to bringing it to market.
“This is about commercialising a vehicle’s bi-directional charging capabilities, with clear advantages for businesses either already with a fleet of electric vehicles or those that are ready to make the transition to electric, and demonstrates how E.On is providing solutions for customers that will help make the air cleaner.”
Peter McDonald, Fleet Director at Nissan Motor GB, said: “We know many fleets are not just looking at electric vehicle acquisition, they are also reviewing their energy infrastructure for a world where electric vehicles are fast becoming the norm.
“Nissan is collaborating with E.On on this exciting energy infrastructure project to expedite V2G technology in the UK. Thanks to the Leaf and e-NV200 being V2G-capable, these EVs are well set for the future.”
Prices for the V2G package will be heavily subsidised for participants in the trial, thanks to grants available through Innovate UK. Compatible vehicles include the above Nissan models. For further information, visit E.On’s V2G web page.
