Nissan leads £10 million UK research project to cut EV charging costs and boost efficiency
By Eve
Nissan is heading Project SUITE, a £10 million UK Government backed initiative to develop technologies that reduce home and public charging costs and improve EV efficiency. Engineers at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranbrook, Kent, are working on solutions including vehicle integrated solar panels to extend range, building on the solar powered Ariya concept unveiled earlier this year with photovoltaic panels on the bonnet, roof and tailgate. The project aims to fundamentally change how electric vehicles are charged, powered and experienced.
Why it matters: A £10 million research programme targeting cheaper charging infrastructure and onboard energy generation could influence future procurement specifications and reduce operating costs for charge point operators. Vehicle integrated solar technology may also shift demand patterns at public charging sites if range anxiety decreases.