UK: Nissan to Launch Bi-Directional Charging in 2026

Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!

Nissan has announced the launch of affordable bi-directional charging on selected electric vehicles starting in 2026, as part of its goal to create a sustainable energy ecosystem. This Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology will allow EV owners to use electricity stored in their car’s battery to power their homes or sell it back to the grid. The technology will initially be available in the UK before expanding to other European markets, supporting Nissan’s commitment to a net-zero future and making energy more affordable.

Key Highlights

  • Affordable bi-directional charging available on selected EVs from 2026.
  • V2G technology enables EV owners to power their homes or feed energy back to the grid.
  • Launch begins in the UK with plans to expand across Europe.
  • Aims to reduce CO2 emissions and cut energy costs for EV owners.

Nissan’s bi-directional V2G technology forms part of its broader strategy outlined in its business plan, The Arc, which aims to deliver innovations supporting the electric vehicle transition. The technology will be initially rolled out in the UK and later in other European markets, with Nissan aiming to empower consumers through either AC or DC-based solutions, tailored to local infrastructure and regulatory conditions.

Nissan

A key component of Nissan’s V2G initiative is grid certification for an AC-based solution, achieved following a successful project with the University of Nottingham. This certification allows Nissan to supply electricity into the UK energy grid, becoming the first automotive company to do so. The project demonstrates Nissan’s extensive experience with V2G, having conducted approximately 40 pilot projects over the past decade.

With the V2G technology, Nissan EV owners will benefit from reduced energy costs, potentially lowering the cost of charging by up to 50% per year. The system also has the potential to reduce net CO2 emissions by 30% per year for the average UK household. By integrating renewable energy into the grid, Nissan’s V2G technology aims to contribute to reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

As part of its efforts to make V2G technology more accessible, Nissan plans to offer its AC bi-directional charger at a price comparable to current mono-directional chargers, aiming to lower the entry cost for consumers. Additionally, a dedicated app will give customers full control and flexibility over their energy usage.

The introduction of V2G aligns with Nissan’s broader goal of creating a fully integrated energy ecosystem. This vision includes manufacturing EVs with zero emissions, charging them with clean energy, and using them to provide power back to homes and the grid. The company remains committed to becoming a sustainable organization, with plans to expand V2G certification to other markets.

The V2G project is also supported by strong partnerships, including the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre. According to APC Chief Executive Ian Constance, the collaborative research represents a significant milestone in the journey toward decarbonization, with vehicle-to-grid technology playing an essential role in a system-level approach to reducing emissions.

The project has also benefited from collaboration with partners such as Dreev and Enovates. Dreev, a joint venture between EDF and NUVVEF, focused on data collection and charging management, while Enovates, a Belgian-based company, developed the wall box that serves as the system hub, sending and receiving energy supply and demand information.

Nissan aims to continue collaborating with its partners to achieve grid certification in additional markets and make this innovative energy solution available to more consumers. Chairperson Guillaume Cartier highlighted Nissan’s vision for an energy-secure future where power comes from the car on the driveway rather than the power station, creating a fully integrated and clean energy solution.

Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!

Avatar photo
The EV Report

The EV Report is a digital platform dedicated to the global electric vehicle industry. It is a product of Hagman Media Group, and its mission is to inform, engage, and connect industry professionals and EV enthusiasts with relevant news and insights.