Nissan and Motability Operations have agreed a landmark strategic partnership to explore how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology could help reduce electricity costs for EV drivers. The collaboration centres on the British-built all-new Nissan LEAF and demonstrates how British manufacturing and innovation can support both drivers and the wider UK economy.
V2G technology enables electricity stored in an EV’s battery to be exported back to the grid during periods of high demand, such as early evening when energy use and prices are typically higher. For drivers, this could mean charging their vehicle when electricity is cheaper and exporting some of that stored energy back to the grid at times when electricity is more valuable, helping to manage household energy bills and reduce overall motoring costs.
At scale, V2G technology also has the potential to support the wider energy system by reducing pressure on the grid during peak periods. By smoothing demand and making better use of stored electricity, V2G could play a role in lowering overall system costs and supporting more affordable energy in the future.
Supporting UK Drivers and British Manufacturing
Nissan is the first automotive brand to achieve Grid certification for AC-based solution in the UK, and the new agreement with Motability Operations covers vehicles manufactured at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant. At a time when the UK automotive sector is transitioning to electric, the partnership demonstrates how British manufacturing and British-led innovation can directly support UK drivers with the cost of energy and mobility.
By combining British-built production with technology that reduces running costs, the partnership strengthens the case for UK-manufactured vehicles on the Scheme and supports Motability Operations’ ambition to increase their share over time. The organisation has set an ambitious commitment that one in every two vehicles on fleet will be British built by 2035.
Nissan has invested £450m to build the all-new LEAF at its Sunderland Plant, which is one of the UK’s largest car manufacturing sites and supports 6,000 direct jobs and thousands more across the domestic supply chain. In 2025, Motability Operations registered over 22,000 Nissan vehicles, reflecting Nissan’s important role in supporting the Scheme’s progress on UK-built vehicles. The Motability Scheme supports around 34,000 jobs across the UK and plays a significant role in sustaining demand for domestic vehicle manufacturing and the wider automotive sector.
Commenting on the partnership, Jordi Vila, Divisional Vice President, Nissan Europe & Africa, AMIEO Aftersales and Brand. President Nissan Africa, said: “Nissan has long been at the forefront of electric vehicle and Vehicle-to-Grid 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.”
Andrew Miller, CEO at Motability Operations, said: “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 Vehicle-to-Grid technology, we are looking at how we can help our customers get the most value out of their EVs.”
“By partnering with Nissan on Vehicle-to-Grid 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.”
Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister said: “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 £3750 when they buy and unlocking savings of up to £1,400 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.”
