Nissan LEAF electric vehicle (EV) now officially powers homes as the renowned Japanese automaker has formally approved its first-ever bi-directional charger.
But how does this new charging system work, and how can it actually power up American homes?
(Photo : CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
The Nissan Leaf electric car is pictured at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 25, 2019.
The Nissan Leaf electric car is pictured at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on October 25, 2019.
Nissan LEAF EV Now Powers Homes
As per the latest report by The Verge, the Nissan LEAF could now finally charge homes thanks to its new charging system.
After years of testing, the giant automaker, Nissan, has officially approved the bi-directional charging system for its LEAF EV offering, allowing its owners to send electricity to the grid or power their homes.
And as such, the partner of Nissan in this project, Fermata Energy, introduces its FE-15 charger, allowing its users to power their homes using the battery of their five-door hatchback.
It is worth mentioning that the system that the LEAF employs is the first ever bi-directional charging option that flaunts a UL 9741 certification.
How Bi-Directional Charging Works
It is worth noting that other EV makers have already introduced their fair share of bi-directional charging systems.
(Photo : Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: A charging device for the the new Nissan Leaf vehicle is seen on July 11, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. The Nissan LEAF was launched in Australia on Wednesday, with Nissan's local manufacturing plant makes exclusive parts for the electric vehicle.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: A charging device for the the new Nissan Leaf vehicle is seen on July 11, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. The Nissan LEAF was launched in Australia on Wednesday, with Nissan's local manufacturing plant makes exclusive parts for the electric vehicle.
For instance, The Verge notes that the American automaker, Ford, has its own Intelligent Backup Power feature, which F-150 Lightning pickup trucks readily support.
And on top of that, the online news outlet also adds that the South Korean carmaker, Hyundai, also sports bi-directional charging support for its Ioniq 5 crossover SUV.
However, according to a report by Clean Technica, the automaker says that "The Nissan LEAF is currently the only fully electric passenger vehicle in the US market able to supply energy to the grid."
The automaker went on to say that LEAF owners only need a Fermata Energy FE-15 bi-directional charger to take advantage of its new system. And from there, they could "park their vehicle, plug it in, and save money with their local electric utility."
The Verge highlights in the same report that the charging solution of Nissan in partnership with Fermata Energy, works pretty straightforwardly than other options out there.
The bi-directional charging on the LEAF allows its users to store energy and let homes or buildings use its power once the grid starts to undergo some stress or peak times.
Which Nissan LEAF Supports Bi-Directional Charging?
All that said, you might be wondering which specific models of the Nissan LEAF EV support this new charging system.
(Photo : Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: People inspect he new Nissan Leaf vehicle on July 11, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.
It turns out that the entire list of 2013 LEAF models readily supports the bi-directional charging system, The Verge notes. Nissan also approved it on newer models of its all-electric hatchback.
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Written by Teejay Boris
