Nissan is leading a £10m (US$13.3m) government-backed research project to develop integrated solar charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability and AI-enhanced power electronics for production electric vehicles (EVs), targeting lower home energy costs. Project SUITE (Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EVs) is a three-year programme backed by the government’s £4bn (US$5.32bn) DRIVE35 fund, led through Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield with ten industry and academic partners.

A gallium nitride traction inverter with AI-enhanced controls and a bidirectional charging device for V2G connections form the core technology package, alongside vehicle-integrated tandem solar panels and an intelligent charging management system. A Nissan Leaf is being used as the test vehicle, with the project already under way.

In a statement, David Moss, Senior Vice-President, Research and Development, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania, said: “This project highlights the strength of UK innovation and marks a significant step towards the next generation of integrated energy technologies for electric vehicles.

“Through close collaboration with industry and academic partners, we are advancing solutions that lower the cost of ownership, improve efficiency and deliver greater value for customers.

“From enhanced V2G capability to high-performance inverters and solar assisted charging, these developments reinforce the UK’s role in building a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem. Together, we are laying the groundwork for future electrified products and reaffirming our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible, convenient and sustainable for all.”

Source: Nissan