GE, Nissan to drive smart charging for electric vehicles

In the race to build a smart-charging infrastructure that fuels the coming plug-in car revolution, GE and Nissan have teamed to research new technology developments that will make smart charging a reality. The two companies signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore new technologies that are needed to build a reliable, dynamic smart-charging infrastructure.

The MOU brings together two companies with expertise in the most critical elements needed to make smart charging work. GE is a world leader in the energy sector, with a customer base that cuts across the entire electric grid network. Nissan is one of the world's top automakers and a leader in electric vehicles. The all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is scheduled to launch later this year in Japan, the United States and Europe.

"In the past few years, we have seen an acceleration of innovations in plug-in hybrid and electric cars that have sparked a revolution in smart-charging technologies," said Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research. "Together with Nissan, we will take a comprehensive look at what technologies will be needed in the car, on the grid and at home or work to make smart charging a reality."

"Nissan's vision is to realize zero-emission mobility through a holistic approach by collaborating with various partners in a broad range of industries," said Shunichi Toyomasu, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Company Ltd. "Working with GE, we expect this joint research project will provide insight for the home/building and electric grid connections which supports electric vehicle."

GE and Nissan have outlined two key areas for potential collaborations. The first relates to the integration of electric vehicles with homes and buildings. The second focuses on electric vehicle charging dynamics with the larger electric grid. In coming months, GE and Nissan will work to identify specific projects they can partner on in each of these areas.

Much of the GE work will be conducted at GE's global research operations located in Niskayuna, N.Y., where the latest electric transportation research and smart grid technology will facilitate the collaboration. Nissan will participate mainly through it Nissan Technical Center North America, located in Farmington Hills, Mich., with support by the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Japan.