EV Owners Get Free Parking in Nissan V2G Demo

It may not win any medals, but Nissan’s technology pavilion is off to the races in its own way. And instead of bringing home the gold, the focus is on a different hue: green.

Nissan technical pavilion in Yokohama

The 107,000-sq-ft exhibit originally was due to be part of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which would have just concluded if it hadn’t been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus.

In lieu of the Olympics, Nissan has set up the pavilion adjacent to its Yokohoma headquarters complex in Japan. The futuristic exhibit will be open to the public through Oct. 23.

Taking Charge of EVs

“The Pavilion is a place where customers can see, feel, and be inspired by our near-future vision for society and mobility,” says Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. “As the world shifts to electric mobility, EVs will be integrated into society in ways that go beyond just transportation.”

Part of this vision includes bidirectional charging systems that will allow motorists to use their EVs to help power their homes or sell electricity back to utility companies. Nissan and other carmakers have been testing so-called vehicle-to-grid systems for several years.

Leaf Energy Share (Image: Nissan)

The pavilion demonstration takes a novel approach to the concept by waiving parking fees for EV visitors in exchange for discharging energy from their car’s battery to the facility. Nissan touts the scheme as a global first.

In addition to the Leaf and EVs from Nissan’s alliance partners (Renault and Mitsubishi), models from other manufacturers also can take part in the program. The only prerequisite is that all vehicles are compatible with Japan’s CHAdeMO fast-charging protocol.

Nissan also has V2G-related agreements with several local governments in Japan. This includes repurposing EV batteries to help power streetlights and setting up a mechanism to quickly tap into surplus power in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

More Green Mobility Cred

The new pavilion exhibition also has several other EV-related features, including a cafe that is operated on power supplied by Nissan LEAF electric cars and solar energy.

Visitors also can take a virtual spin in a Formula E race car and test drive the upcoming Ariya crossover vehicle.

Other showcased technologies, products and amenities include:

• On-site car-hailing and bike-sharing services
• ProPilot advanced driver-assistance systems
• Connected car demonstrations

Nissan previously has said it aims to sell more than 1 million electrified vehicles by 2023.