• Nissan leads £10 million UK Government-backed research project to integrate efficient energy technologies for affordable, accessible and sustainable electric mobility
• Using on-board solar panels, intelligent charging devices, AI technology and more, Project SUITE sets out to develop smart, cutting-edge technologies to help EVs use energy more efficiently, reduce charging costs and support the electricity grid.
• Nissan and partners will showcase these innovations by integrating them into Nissan’s British-built, class leading LEAF electric vehicle, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in EV and energy system innovation.

Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield, UK) will lead an innovative £10 million Government-backed research project that will fundamentally change how electric vehicles are charged, powered and experienced – accelerating the shift to smarter, more sustainable mobility and putting innovative, research-led solutions directly into the hands of customers.

Project SUITE – short for Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EVs – aims to address the rising costs of home energy and public charging, improving EV efficiency, affordability and sustainability.

Backed by the UK Government’s £4 billion Drive35 programme, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) UK and delivered by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, three-year research project places Nissan at the forefront of next-gen EV technology. Delivered in collaboration with a consortium of ten partners in business and academia, Nissan will lead the project in combining advance power electronics, AI technology and renewable energy integration, all in one vehicle. At its core, Project SUITE will deliver a host of breakthrough technologies that will transform the EV ecosystem.

1. Vehicle‑integrated tandem solar panels – helps drivers go further on each charge by topping up the battery with renewable energy, cutting down how often the car needs plugging in and helping reduce energy bills at home.
2. An Intelligent Charging Management System (ICMS) – manage customer’s electrical consumption, lowers energy bills and puts renewable energy back into the electrical grid when not in use.
3. A bidirectional Automated Charging Device (ACD) for Vehicle‑to‑Grid (V2G) connections in real world conditions, improving access to V2G charging and delivering hands-free accessibility of EV charging while maintaining a connection to the grid.
4. A high‑efficiency Gallium Nitride (GaN) traction inverter with AI enhanced controls, helping EVs use energy more efficiently, delivering high performance at lower costs to customers.
5. Bringing them all together to create an integrated package, combining efficient power electronics, onboard solar, intelligent charging and V2G capability, ready for real-world testing and demonstration.

The project is already underway using the all-new 100% electric Nissan LEAFs as test vehicles, turning today’s vehicles into proving grounds for tomorrow’s mobility.

David Moss, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) said:

“This project highlights the strength of UK innovation and marks a significant step towards the next generation of integrated energy technologies for electric vehicles.

“Through close collaboration with industry and academic partners, we are advancing solutions that lower the cost of ownership, improve efficiency and deliver greater value for customers.”

“From enhanced V2G capability to high ‑performance inverters and solar assisted charging, these developments reinforce the UK’s role in building a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem. Together, we are laying the groundwork for future electrified products and reaffirming our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible, convenient and sustainable for all.”

Ian Constance, CEO, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), said: 

“The projects announced today demonstrate the UK’s determination to lead the shift to zero-emission mobility. By facilitating the UK Government’s DRIVE35 grants, we are turning world-class innovation into industrial capability. With our partners in DBT and Innovate UK, we are backing manufacturers, empowering SMEs, and strengthening the UK’s sovereign supply chain.  

This multi-million pound support package is more than an investment in technology; it is an investment in the people, skills, and companies that will define the future of clean transport. Together, we are building the foundations of a competitive, resilient, and sustainable automotive industry.” 

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The consortium partners include:

• Nissan: Committed to achieving world leading EV efficiency
• Weeteq: Validate AI microcontroller in automotive applications
• Oxford PV: Develop automotive solar modules to create new business
• Ricardo: Deliver advanced, low-cost, GaN traction inverter
• RAM Innovations: Develop competency in building high-power GaN modules
• University of Bristol: Collaborate with industry on semiconductor analysis
• Newcastle University: Co-create a digital ecosystem for V2G forecasting
• University of Nottingham: Advanced design and control of current source inverters
• University of Oxford: Research advanced materials for next gen solar cells
• University College London: Model electricity networks for the optimisation of V2G

About Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania)

Nissan AMIEO comprises Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania markets. This vast and diverse region employs more than 13,000 people and covers 140 markets with a population of around 3.8 billion. The AMIEO region also boasts an extensive vehicle offering, ranging from the iconic Nissan Patrol SUV to the fully electric crossover, Nissan Ariya.

Sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030, which sets out to deliver electrified models and technological innovation in key markets globally and support Nissan’s goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050.

For more information about Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

Contacts:

Callum Daly
Section Manager – Communications
E: callum.daly@ntc-europe.co.uk