Inside Nissan and Motability's Vehicle-to-Grid Partnership

Nissan and Motability Operations has agreed a partnership designed to explore how vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could reduce costs for EV owners and lower strain on the national grid. 

The partnership centres around the new Nissan Leaf, which is manufactured in the UK.

Nissan has extensive experience in V2G technology, having run more than 40 pilot projects. 

The announcement comes as the UK faces a surging energy crisis, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

Vehicle-to-grid technology

Vehicle to grid technology enables EVs to supply the electricity grid with excess energy during peak demand times. 

Data from Deloitte estimates V2G services could unlock almost 600 gigawatt of flexible capacity by 2030 across regions like China, India, the US and the European Union.

The technology could reduce running costs for EV drivers, who are able to charge the vehicle when the electricity is cheaper and export stored energy back to the grid when demand is higher. 

The UK Government has been broadly supportive of V2G implementation, including the V2G UK trial which was partly funded by the UK Government's Advanced Propulsion Centre.

Keir Mather, The British Government's Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, says of the partnership between Motability and Nissan: "We are determined to help families with the cost of living and that's why we're making it easier and cheaper to switch to electric, saving drivers up to £3,750 (US$5,013) when they buy and unlocking savings of up to £1,400 (US$1,871) on running costs.

"British innovation and manufacturing are central to this transition, and I'm proud to see Nissan and Motability leading the way – cutting costs for consumers while boosting jobs and production at its Sunderland plant. It's a win for drivers, for industry and for the UK economy."

Nissan’s V2G agreement with Motability

Nissan is the first automotive brand to achieve Grid certification for AC-based solutions in the UK. Nissan has experience in V2G technology, with 40 pilot projects conducted worldwide throughout the past decade.

The new agreement with Motability Operations covers vehicles manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland Plant, focussing on the LEAF, an all-electric vehicle with a 386 mile range. 

Nissan has invested £450m (US$603m) to build its LEAF model at its Sunderland Plant, one of the UK’s largest car manufacturing sites, which employs 6,000 people. 

Jordi Vila, Divisional Vice President of Nissan Europe & Africa, AMIEO Aftersales and Brand, President of Nissan Africa, says: "Nissan has long been at the forefront of electric vehicle and V2G innovation, and we are proud that our Sunderland-built LEAF continues to lead the way.

"Working with Motability Operations allows us to demonstrate how British-built EV technology can support customers, strengthen the energy system and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future."

How it helps Motability Operations 

The Motability Scheme is a UK initiative that helps disabled people to lease new cars, scooters or wheelchairs.

Established in 1978, Motability Operations is a commercial organisation that helps deliver the UK’s Motability Scheme, serving 890,000 people in the UK. It negotiates with manufacturers and partners to provide users of the scheme with affordability and choice.

In 2025, Motability Operations registered more than 22,000 Nissan vehicles. The new partnership looks to benefit Motability Operations' customers, many of whom purchase EVs.

Andrew Miller, CEO at Motability Operations, says: "Our focus is on ensuring the scheme remains a lifeline of independence that is affordable and fit for the future. By partnering with Nissan to explore V2G technology, we are looking at how we can help our customers get the most value out of their EVs.

"By partnering with Nissan on V2G technology, we are taking deliberate steps to explore how British-built innovation can help reduce the long-term cost of running an EV for our customers."