Motability Operations and Nissan have agreed a strategic partnership to explore how Vehicle-to-Grid technology could reduce running costs for electric vehicle drivers.
Motability is the largest fleet operator in the UK, responsible for around 800,000 cars at any one time, including around 35,000 wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
The collaboration will focus on the British-built Nissan Leaf and aims to demonstrate how EVs can help lower household energy bills while supporting the wider energy system.
V2G targets lower running costs
Vehicle-to-Grid technology allows electricity stored in an EV battery to be exported back to the grid during periods of peak demand, such as early evening when energy prices are typically higher.
This creates an opportunity for drivers to charge their vehicle at lower-cost periods and sell energy back when prices rise, reducing overall motoring and household costs.
Andrew Miller, chief executive 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 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.”
Backing British-built EVs
The agreement covers vehicles produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant and forms part of Motability Operations’ ambition to increase the share of British-built vehicles on its fleet to 50% by 2035.
Nissan’s Sunderland facility supports around 6,000 direct jobs and thousands more across the UK supply chain, while Motability Operations registered more than 22,000 Nissan vehicles in 2025.
Jordi Vila, divisional vice president at Nissan Europe and Africa, said: “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.”
Policy and affordability focus
The partnership comes as affordability remains a key barrier to EV adoption, particularly for Motability customers who rely on their vehicles for work, education and healthcare.
Motability research shows running costs are the most important factor when choosing a vehicle, while misconceptions persist around EV affordability, with 42% believing lifetime costs are higher than petrol or diesel models.
Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said: “We are determined to help families with the cost of living and that’s why we’re making it easier and cheaper to switch to electric, saving drivers up to £3,750 when they buy and unlocking savings of up to £1,400 on running costs.
Energy system benefits
At scale, V2G technology could help reduce pressure on the electricity grid by smoothing demand and making better use of stored energy, supporting lower system costs.
The initiative builds on Motability Operations’ wider energy innovation strategy, including projects exploring how EV batteries can provide backup power for vulnerable households during outages.
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