Nissan and Motability Operations are collaborating to slash electric vehicle running costs for drivers though vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

Centred on the Sunderland-built Nissan Leaf, the landmark partnership is exploring to make sustainable motoring more affordable by letting drivers sell power back to the grid during peak times.

By integrating bi-directional charging, V2G technology transforms an EV into a mobile power station that works for the driver’s bottom line. By strategically 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, drivers can help manage household energy bills and reduce overall motoring costs.

The agreement covers vehicles manufactured at the brand’s Sunderland facility. The plant is the UK’s largest car factory and the focal point of Nissan’s EV36Zero vision, a flagship electric vehicle (EV) hub designed to create a 360-degree ecosystem for zero-emission motoring.

By combining British-built production with technology that reduces running costs, the partnership strengthens the case for UK-manufactured vehicles on the Motability Scheme and supports the company’s 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.

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.

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 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.”

Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “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.”

Motability Scheme research shows running costs are the single most important factor when choosing a new vehicle (22%), while nearly one in five say confidence that EV running costs are no higher than petrol, diesel or hybrid models would make the biggest difference to their willingness to switch.

Yet misconceptions remain, with 42% believing the overall lifetime cost of an EV is higher than a petrol or diesel vehicle, and more than a quarter thinking charging is more expensive than refuelling.

At scale, V2G technology has the potential to support the wider energy system by reducing pressure on the grid during peak periods. By smoothing grid 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.

Jordi Vila, divisional vice president, Nissan Europe & 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.”