Nissan has partnered with EDF Energy to supply the energy company with second-life EV batteries from the likes of the Leaf and e-NV200. The news comes as EDF Energy also announces plans to become an electric mobility leader by 2020.
The new agreement will begin with a project exploring how the batteries can support management of electricity demand, in use as energy storage systems.
Nissan already offers a domestic energy management service with xStorage, and the latest Leaf has the capability for vehicle-to-grid connection, allowing the EV to support electricity use at peak times.
The EDF deal will see recycled retired EV batteries used in commercial operations, storing energy during low demand, before releasing it back to the grid for quick response to increased need.
The systems not only recycle EV batteries to prevent wastage, but it also has a much lower carbon footprint than relying on coal and gas power stations to meet peaks in electricity demand on the grid.
Recycled EV batteries have as much as 70% of their original capacity remaining, and a useful life of more than 10 years in a commercial energy storage role.
EDF’s plans for electric vehicles extends beyond reusing old batteries. A Plan Mobilité Electrique (Electric Mobility Plan) has been announced that looks to see EDF supply power for 600,000 EVs, equating to 30% of market share in the UK, France, Belgium, and Italy.
Starting next year, the energy group will start offering customers EV tailored packages, including low-carbon electricity, a charging solution for those with access to a parking space, and services geared towards optimised use of charging and of the vehicle’s battery.
It also aims to become the largest public charging network provider by 2022, with its existing subsidiary Sodetrel aiming to roll-out 75,000 charge points in Europe. Customers would be able to access 250,000 inter-operable points by 2022, and EDF is also developing charging solutions for those without access to their own parking space.
Beatrice Bigois, Managing Director of Customers at EDF Energy said: “The transition to electric vehicles provides huge opportunities for businesses and households, which is why we are investing in the best technology and products to help consumers and business realise the associated benefits.
“In partnering with Nissan, we’re excited to explore new technologies and business models to make low carbon transport a reality now and for the future.”
Francisco Carranza, Director of Energy Services, Nissan Europe, said: “We are delighted to be entering this partnership, which will see Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility strategy continue to support the expanding electric vehicle market and help create a more sustainable energy future in the UK.
“We believe electric cars are just the start, and our second life programme ensures batteries from our cars continue to provide energy storage capacity in other applications – in houses, businesses, football stadiums even – long after their life in cars. It’s an exciting prospect and we look forward to working closely with EDF Energy on these developments in future.”
