The Japanese car company, Nissan Motor, has announced that it will take a 25% stake in ChargeScape, a software company that connects electric devices, car manufacturers and drivers, and is distributing two energy management systems using secondary batteries from the Nissan LEAF.
ChargeScape is a joint venture founded in 2023 by BMW, Ford and Honda, each with an equal ownership stake, focused on integrating EVs into electric grids to enable intelligent use of connected EV batteries. The alliance's software connects to electric vehicles wirelessly and “regulates the flow of electrons according to real-time grid conditions,” temporarily reducing demand when the grid is blocked by smart charging. The software can support V1G, a non-targeted technology that can send power back to the grid when needed, or V2G, a dual charging protocol.
When connected to the ChargeScape platform, an EV driver can choose to pause charging for financial incentives during periods of peak demand. Drivers will eventually be able to sell the energy stored in their car batteries back to the electric grid, the group said.
Once the deal closes, Nissan will become a 25% equity investor in ChargeScape and the three established companies will see their stake reduced from 33.3% to 25%. Nissan then plans to introduce the consortium's software to its EV customers in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, in Franklin, Tennessee, Nissan Americas Headquarters is acquiring two battery systems that use second-life LEAF batteries for storage. The storage system will help optimize energy consumption while extending the useful life of EV batteries.
The battery energy storage solution (BESS) will provide power to the headquarters building during its peak demand and recharge during off-peak hours. BESS will be managed in partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric, 7 States Power and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute.
“This project is a key part of Nissan's sustainability goals, contributing to the company's mission to increase the use of reused and recycled materials while reducing the amount of waste produced,” the company said.
Source: Nissan