Motability Operations has partnered with Nissan to explore Vehicle-to-Grid technology that could slash electricity costs for disabled drivers using electric vehicles on the Motability Scheme.
The collaboration centers on the Sunderland-built Nissan Leaf and its ability to sell stored battery power back to the national grid.
V2G technology lets EV owners become mini power stations – charging their cars when electricity is cheap and selling energy back during peak demand periods.
Those peak times typically hit during early evening hours when energy use spikes and prices climb higher.
The system works by timing charging sessions for off-peak periods when electricity costs less. When demand surges, the car’s battery feeds power back to the grid – potentially cutting both motoring expenses and household bills.
According to Motability Operations, the partnership supports their push to electrify more of their fleet.
Andrew Miller, Motability Operations CEO, said the partnership fits their broader mission.
“Our focus is on ensuring the Scheme remains a lifeline of independence that’s affordable and fit for the future,” Miller said.
The organization has set itself an ambitious target – 50% of its vehicles manufactured in Britain by 2035.
Financial Factors Drive Partnership
Running costs played a major role in pushing this collaboration forward.
Motability Scheme research reveals that 22% of motorists rank running costs as the single most important factor when choosing their next vehicle.
That concern becomes even more pressing for disabled drivers who often face additional mobility-related expenses.
Miller emphasized how British manufacturing fits into their cost-reduction strategy.
“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.”
Nissan Leaf Details
The partnership’s focus vehicle starts at £32,249 and qualifies for the full £3,500 electric car grant.
Nissan offers the current Leaf across four trim levels:
- Engage
- Engage+
- Advance
- Evolve
Two battery options power the front-wheel-drive Leaf.
A 75kWh unit delivers up to 386 miles of range with 215 horsepower. The more powerful variant packs 271 horsepower but uses a smaller 52kWh battery that provides 271 miles of range.
The higher-output version won’t arrive until later in 2026.
This V2G exploration represents a significant shift in how EVs could function – transforming personal vehicles into grid storage assets that benefit both owners and the broader energy system.
