French-based electric utility company EDF has announced that it will partner with Japanese automaker Nissan in the UK to launch a new commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging service for fleet operators.
EDF, through its EDF Group subsidiary Dreev – a joint venture which it launched back in 2019 with Californian start-up NUVVE – will launch the new V2G commercial charging service for fleet owners of Nissan’s LEAF and e-NV200 models.
The new V2G service will manage both when an EV charging and discharging, and EDF and Nissan expect that the new V2G charging service will allow fleet operators to save around £350 (over $A650) per charger each year.
“By combining the expertise and capabilities of EDF, Nissan and Dreev we have produced a solution that could transform the EV market as we look to help the UK in its journey to achieve Net Zero,” said Philip Valarino, Interim Head of EV Projects at EDF.
“Our hope is that forward-thinking businesses across the country will be persuaded to convert their traditional fleets to electric, providing them with both an environmental and economic advantage in an increasingly crowded market.”
EDF’s existing V2G business solutions will allow the company to provide fleet operators with a two-way connected compact 11kW charger – which is capable of fully charging a Nissan LEAF, depending on its battery model, in 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is about 50% faster than a standard charger.
The chargers also come integrated with Dreev technology, and a dedicated Dreev smart phone application allows customers to define the vehicles’ driving energy requirements, track their state of charge in real time, and even control charging.
“The Nissan Leaf, with more than half a million units already sold worldwide – is the only model today to allow V2G two-way charging,” said Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Motors Great Britain.
“As such, the Nissan Leaf offers new economic opportunities for businesses that no other electric vehicle does today. We are delighted to be working with EDF on the deployment and democratisation of V2G technology and in providing yet another reason for transport to electrify.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.