EDF and Nissan announce low-carbon vehicle partnership

EDF Energy has joined forces with Nissan to support the adoption of electric vehicles and energy generation and storage solutions.

25th October 2018 by Networks

EDF and Nissan announce low-carbon vehicle partnership

Nissan and EDF Energy, the manufacturer’s long-term UK supplier, signed the new agreement in Paris earlier this month.

The partnership will kick off with a first of its kind collaboration to explore how second-life Nissan electric vehicle (EV) batteries can support demand side management.

Both EDF Energy and Nissan have been at the forefront of developing the market for EVs in the UK and will bring substantial technical expertise to the wide ranging agreement that will support the transition to low carbon transport, such as smart charging, batteries, decentralised generation and grid integration.

The first joint project will see the partners explore the business case for recycling retired batteries from Nissan LEAF into commercial battery storage. The system would see electricity stored in the batteries and released back to the grid using EDF Energy’s PowerShift to react quickly to demand side response (DSR) initiatives.

The combined system will be trialled to see how it can support on site generation, greater control and flexibility over energy use, and provide additional revenue streams.

Béatrice 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, added: “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.”