Nissan Joins ChargeScape for EV Grid Integration
Nissan has become a participant in ChargeScape, a joint venture established by BMW, Ford, and Honda aimed at integrating electric vehicles into the power grid across North America. With Nissan’s investment, each automaker will hold a 25% share in ChargeScape.
ChargeScape was announced in September 2023 and formally launched in September 2024, with the intention of creating a cost-effective solution for electric mobility integration. This platform will connect energy providers, automakers, and electric vehicle users in the United States and Canada. The addition of Nissan as the fourth partner aligns with the founding members' openness to welcoming more collaborators.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to maximize the capabilities of electric vehicles in supporting power grids while offering financial incentives to EV owners through various charging and energy management services available on the platform. The concept builds on extensive cross-industry research involving the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), with contributions from BMW, Ford, and Honda.
ChargeScape aims to replace the previous need for individual agreements between car manufacturers and energy companies. By utilizing this platform, energy suppliers will gain access to battery energy from a diverse range of electric vehicles, allowing for cost savings through charging during optimal grid times. The initiative will support smart charging (V1G) and is expected to facilitate vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, enabling energy transfer back to the grid.
Nissan's participation is noteworthy, as the company has sold over 650,000 Leaf models in the U.S., one of the first EVs capable of exporting power back to the grid. Nissan is investing significantly in bidirectional charging, and ChargeScape is working on virtual power plants in California, Texas, and other regions.
“We are thrilled to have Nissan join the ChargeScape venture,” remarked Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. “Nissan’s involvement emphasizes their dedication to providing affordable and sustainable charging options while underscoring ChargeScape’s vital role in vehicle-grid integration.”
Kent O’Hara, president of Nissan’s 4R battery division, stated, “ChargeScape allows us to more effectively connect utilities with EV drivers, enhancing the ownership experience by incentivizing participation in managed charging and vehicle-to-grid initiatives. Joining ChargeScape contributes to reducing CO2 emissions nationwide by enabling utilities to utilize EV battery storage for balancing peak demand while optimizing renewable energy usage.”
Original News Website:
Senku ，Bake
Senku