Grid expectations with Nissan trial
Nissan Leaf owners will be able sell electricity back to the National Grid, as part of a trial being launched in the UK later this year.
The trial, which will involve private and fleet owners of Nissan’s Leaf and e-NV200 electric vans, will allow car owners to draw down energy during off-peak periods and then sell it back during peak times.
Chairman of Nissan Europe Paul Willcox said, ‘We believe electric vehicles can become mobile power units supplying cities and their homes, schools and hospitals. Some may think this is science fiction but we believe it is science fact. We are going to see more disruption in the industry over the next ten years than over the past decade. The value to the consumer is they can draw energy off-peak, so during the night.’
That energy can then be used to power the car or it can be sold back to the grid during peak time, potentially earning the owner some revenue.
Only three per cent of cars sold in Britain were alternative fuel models last year, but sales have risen by 24 per cent this year. If the trend continues the demand on the National Grid will only increase. This trial by Nissan could result in one way of easing the demand in the future if it encourages drivers to reduce power use during peak times.
National Grid non-executive director and former CEO Steve Holliday said, ‘It’s our job to future proof the national transmission network. The rapid uptake of electric vehicles is certainly positive yet could also be challenging if we don’t plan ahead.’
