Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan to democratise V2G technology with next-generation EVs

New Sunderland-built Nissan Leaf will support brand’s ambition for net zero, while lowering bills for customers

Nissan V2G

Nissan will look to democratise “affordable on-board bi-directional charging” in its next-generation electric cars, the company has confirmed. The end-to-end solution comprises hardware built into the car, as well as a home wallbox set-up that can work with energy tariffs and grid demand to shuffle power as required.

The technology, developed at the firm’s Cranfield R&D base in Bedfordshire, will launch in the UK in 2026 before being rolled out to other European markets. Nissan sees it as a “key step towards its vision of creating a sustainable energy ecosystem”.

The timeline suggests that the first car to feature Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology will be the reinvented Nissan Leaf crossover, which will eventually be built in Sunderland alongside the next-generation Juke and Qashqai models due later this decade.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Nissan says that V2G will “allow EV owners to use electricity stored in their car’s battery to power their homes, or sell it back into the grid”. It adds that owners will be able to set a minimum state of charge through the associated app, and can choose to override the systems as necessary.

Nissan V2G - infographic

Studies suggest Nissan’s V2G tech can cut the cost of powering an EV by 50 per cent. It can apparently reduce CO2 emissions by 30 per cent per year for the average UK household.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan VP for global electrification ecosystem and EV programs, said: “The technology we are bringing to customers is a potential game-changer for how we view the car. Not just as a means of getting from A to B, but as a mobile energy storage unit, capable of saving people money, supporting the transition of our energy systems away from fossil fuels and bringing us closer to a carbon-free future. Nissan is proud to democratise technology for the benefit of society.”

The line about V2G being critical to Nissan’s vision of creating a “sustainable energy ecosystem” centres around periods of varying grid demand. By drawing power from your EV at peak times – like when people arrive home from work and put the kettle on – electric cars can actually help balance demand on the grid. Then, when everyone has gone to bed and switched the lights off, power can be fed back into the car’s battery. This, in theory, should reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Nissan aims to offer its bi-directional charger “at a price comparable to a mono-directional charger available today”. It says this cost of entry will allow the technology to be “accessible to more people”.

Click here for our list of the cheapest electric cars...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 30 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever growing list?
News
28 Aug 2025
New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond
Electric cars coming soon - header image

New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond

The EV market is growing faster than ever, and these are the incoming cars to keep an eye on
Best cars & vans
1 Aug 2025
Used Nissan Figaro (1991-1992) buyer's guide: the ultimate stylish import
Used Nissan Figaro - front

Used Nissan Figaro (1991-1992) buyer's guide: the ultimate stylish import

A full used buyer's guide on the Nissan Figaro that was originally on sale between 1991 and 1992
Used car tests
24 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025