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Nissan has officially approved the enhanced Fermata Energy FE-20 bidirectional charger for use with the Nissan LEAF. This approval marks a significant step forward, as the Nissan LEAF remains the only mass-produced electric vehicle in the U.S. capable of supplying energy back to the grid, thanks to its bidirectional charging capability.
Key Highlights:
- Fermata Energy FE-20 charger is now approved for use with the Nissan LEAF.
- The FE-20 charger meets UL and CHAdeMO standards, fulfilling Nissan’s requirements.
- This charger can charge the LEAF or send stored energy back to the grid, potentially reducing energy costs.
- A proof-of-concept trial at Nissan Americas Headquarters showed a $9,450 savings over four years using the previous model, FE-15.
- The FE-20 offers 33% more power and is UL 1741-SA certified.
- Supports IEEE 2030.5 for Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP) operation, compliant with California Rule 21.
- Optimized design enables faster and less expensive manufacturing, resulting in a lower retail cost.
- The new features enhance access to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology for Nissan dealers and fleet customers.
The FE-20’s approval comes after positive results from the earlier FE-15 model, which successfully reduced electricity bills in a four-year trial. Building on this success, the FE-20 incorporates several improvements, including increased power, better certification, and more efficient manufacturing processes. These enhancements are designed to make V2G technology more accessible and cost-effective for Nissan dealers and fleet customers.
Kent O’Hara, president of Nissan’s 4R battery business, stated, “The FE-20 is the latest generation Fermata Energy bidirectional charger and advanced, intelligent V2X software bringing enhanced technology and features that optimize the full bidirectional charger capabilities of Nissan LEAF.”
The Fermata Energy FE-20 charger and V2X software platform are designed to work without impacting the vehicle’s warranty. The V2X platform can monitor a building’s electrical usage and draw power from the Nissan LEAF during high-demand periods. In certain states, Nissan LEAF models from 2013 and later can send stored energy back to the grid during peak demand.
Currently, there are over 30 proven V2G installations in the U.S. using Fermata Energy chargers with Nissan LEAF vehicles. These installations help fleets and dealerships optimize energy usage and reduce costs.
For more information, visit fermataenergy.com.
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