Nissan intends to incorporate “affordable” bi-directional charging capabilities on some of its electric vehicles (EVs) beginning in 2026.
The Importance of Bi-Directional Charging
Bi-directional charging, powered by “vehicle-to-grid” technology, allows EV owners to take advantage of power stored in their vehicle batteries by either using it to power their homes or selling it back to the broader electrical grid.
Those systems, in effect, offer an additional way to bring renewable power sources into the energy mix. Experts say “V2G” technology is also vital to easing the impact of electric vehicles on power infrastructure and demand.
A Lower Cost of Entry
The announcement follows a successful pilot project at the University of Nottingham in England, after which Nissan became the first automaker certified to provide electricity to the U.K.’s power supply.
Nissan officials said one of its bi-directional systems would utilize an integrated onboard charger, which would offer a price point comparable to currently available monodirectional charging.
The Japanese automaker said it has conducted some 40 pilot projects on V2G systems worldwide over the past 10 years.
EVs as Mobile Energy Storage
Nissan’s global electrification chief said in the announcement that the systems represented a “game-changer” in how the world thinks about EVs — not solely as a mode of transportation but as a “mobile energy storage unit.”
The project is part of a broader Nissan initiative to increase the number of EVs worldwide and establish new revenue streams for the company.
Rolling Out in Europe
The company’s bi-directional technology is slated to debut in the U.K. before expanding to other European markets. It will be launched under a “Nissan Energy” banner.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com / Wongsakorn Napaeng
