Nissan Partner With EDF On Low Carbon Transport

  • Partnership to research the use of second-life EV batteries with EDF's demand side response platform, Powershift
  • Millions of EV batteries no longer in use could help to supply electricity to the grid and cut on carbon emissions throughout Britain.

Nissan will be pairing up with the UK's largest low-carbon energy producer to work towards a more sustainable future. Research will look into energy storage solutions, energy generation and the adoption of electric vehicles.

The first project will look into recycling Nissan EV batteries after their life in a vehicle for the use of commercial battery storage. In theory EDF will store electricity in the batteries and release it back into the grid. This method of storage offers a lower carbon output when compared to relying on coal and gas power stations alone to meet the requirements of the nation grid.

This year there has been an increase in lithium-ion batteries being installed in electric vehicles, more in fact than has gone into consumer electronics. The more batteries that go into use, the more batteries will b e available for the energy storage market.

After their life in a vehicle, the batteries can still work to 70% of their original capacity, with 10 years of life remaining.

Beatrice 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, said: “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.”

This partnership comes as EDF President Jean-Bernard Lévy detailed the Group’s strategic plans on electric transport this morning, including its plan to be the leading energy company for EVs by 2022 across its four largest European markets: France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium.