EDF Group has signed an agreement with Nissan to accelerate the delivery of electric vehicles (EVs), specifically through smart charging solutions.
The multi-national co-operation agreement applies to the UK, France, Belgium and Italy and mainly focuses on developing smart charging solutions (vehicle to grid) by bringing together technologies developed by both companies.
As part of the agreement Nissan is responsible for the sale of V2G compatible EVs such as the Nissan Leaf and the e-NV200 van while EDF is in charge of V2G charging solutions and related services.
Specifically EDF will develop fully integrated solutions which will include battery charge and discharge management as well as flexibility services to the grid available through storage.
The solutions are carried by Izivia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the EDF Group which specialises in charging infrastructure, and the Dreev V2G platform, a joint venture between EDF and green technology company Nuuve.
A similar agreement was signed by EDF and Nissan last year.
In response to the announcement Béatrice Bigois, managing director, customers, at EDF Energy said: “Our customers are looking to us to help them transition to electric vehicles, and smart charging technologies are crucial to this journey.
“By combining our expertise with Nissan, we are able to work together to make low-carbon transport a reality for businesses today and for wider society in the near future.
“Our ability to offer our customers solutions that will help them to invest in electric vehicles and start to realise the financial and environmental benefits they bring is achievable through partnerships such as this.”
Francisco Carranza, managing director for Nissan Energy in Europe, said: “This new partnership with EDF across four major European markets is another sign that our vision of an electric ecosystem is becoming a reality.
“Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits and opportunities offered by the Nissan Leaf and e-NV200, and adding a V2G solution is a logical next step for managing their energy supply and opening new revenue opportunities.”