Nissan and Motability explore V2G to chop EV costs

Motability Operations and Nissan have agreed a strategic partnership to explore how Vehicle-to-Grid technology could reduce running costs for electric vehicle drivers.

Motability is the most important fleet operator within the UK, chargeable for around 800,000 cars at anyone time, including around 35,000 wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).

The collaboration will concentrate on the British-built Nissan Leaf and goals to reveal how EVs can assist lower household energy bills while supporting the broader energy system.

^{V2G targets lower running costs}

Vehicle-to-Grid technology allows electricity stored in an EV battery to be exported back to the grid in periods of peak demand, corresponding to early evening when energy prices are typically higher.

This creates a chance for drivers to charge their vehicle at lower-cost periods and sell energy back when prices rise, reducing overall motoring and household costs.

Andrew Miller, chief executive at Motability Operations, said: “Our focus is on ensuring the scheme stays a lifeline of independence that’s inexpensive and fit for the long run. By partnering with Nissan to explore Vehicle-to-Grid technology, we’re taking a look at how we can assist our customers get probably the most value out of their EVs.

“By partnering with Nissan on Vehicle-to-Grid technology, we’re taking deliberate steps to explore how British-built innovation can assist reduce the long-term cost of running an EV for our customers.”

^{Backing British-built EVs}

The agreement covers vehicles produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant and forms a part of Motability Operations’ ambition to extend the share of British-built vehicles on its fleet to 50% by 2035.

Nissan’s Sunderland facility supports around 6,000 direct jobs and 1000’s more across the UK supply chain, while Motability Operations registered greater than 22,000 Nissan vehicles in 2025.

Jordi Vila, divisional vp at Nissan Europe and Africa, said: “Working with Motability Operations allows us to reveal how British-built EV technology can support customers, strengthen the energy system and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

^{Policy and affordability focus}

The partnership comes as affordability stays a key barrier to EV adoption, particularly for Motability customers who depend on their vehicles for work, education and healthcare.

Motability research shows running costs are crucial factor when selecting a vehicle, while misconceptions persist around EV affordability, with 42% believing lifetime costs are higher than petrol or diesel models.

Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said: “We’re determined to assist families with the price of living and that’s why we’re making it easier and cheaper to modify to electric, saving drivers as much as £3,750 after they buy and unlocking savings of as much as £1,400 on running costs.

^{Energy system advantages}

At scale, V2G technology could help reduce pressure on the electricity grid by smoothing demand and making higher use of stored energy, supporting lower system costs.

The initiative builds on Motability Operations’ wider energy innovation strategy, including projects exploring how EV batteries can provide backup power for vulnerable households during outages.

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