Nissan European Infrastructure Push for EV Adoption
Nissan hopes to supercharge the take up of electric vehicles by embarking on a major infrastructure push through several European countries.
It has signed a deal with energy provider EDF Group to accelerate EV adoption and grid integration using smart charging in the UK, France, Belgium and Italy. The cooperation agreement focuses mainly on developing smart charging solutions, such as V2G, by bringing together technologies developed by both companies.
As part of the cooperation agreement, Nissan is responsible for the sale of V2G compatible electric vehicles while EDF will be in charge of V2G charging solutions and related services. The carmaker’s Intelligent Mobility strategy is the integration of EVs into society, with V2G technology offering benefits to electricity grids and providing new financial opportunities to businesses.
The energy provider’s technology includes the management of the battery’s charge and discharge as well as flexibility services to the grid available through storage. These are deployed by Izivia, a subsidiary of EDF specializing in charging infrastructure, and Dreev, the EDF-NUVVE joint venture specializing in V2G commercial solutions. Last year, Nissan and EDF agreed to collaborate around the development of electric mobility, smart charging, second-life battery use, energy storage and renewable energy sources.
Francisco Carranza, managing director for Nissan Energy in Europe, said: “This new partnership with EDF across four major European markets is another sign that our vision of an electric ecosystem is becoming a reality. Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits and opportunities offered by the Nissan LEAF and e-NV200, and adding a V2G solution is a logical next step for managing their energy supply and opening new revenue opportunities.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
