Summary
- Nissan Leaf owners can now use the new bidirectional charger FE-20 without voiding the warranty
- The FE-20 charger offers 33% more power than the FE-15, has a lower manufacturing cost, and a lower retail price
- Nissan has approved the Fermata Energy FE-20 for use with the Leaf, allowing owners to use their cars as mobile energy sources
- Other companies also offer bidirectional chargers, but approval from automakers like Nissan is required
- Bidirectional charging is a new feature for the Nissan Leaf, a model that still uses the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard and does not qualify for a federal EV tax credit
Article
Nissan Leaf owners now have the option to upgrade to a higher-power bidirectional charger for their electric vehicles, the Fermata Energy FE-20. This new charger has been approved by Nissan for use with the Leaf, allowing owners to use their cars as mobile energy sources without voiding the vehicle’s warranty. While the cost of the FE-20 charger has not been disclosed by Nissan, the updated design offers 33% more power, lower manufacturing costs, and greater ability to transfer energy between the car and the grid compared to its predecessor, the FE-15.
Nissan Leaf models have had the hardware for bidirectional charging since 2013, but it was not officially enabled in the U.S. until 2022 with the approval of the FE-15 charger. The latest FE-20 charger builds upon the previous model with improved features and performance, offering potential electricity bill savings of up to $9,450 over four years. By using Fermata Energy’s software management tool, owners can optimize energy usage by drawing power from the car’s battery pack to help power buildings during high-demand, high-cost periods.
While other companies like Wallbox also offer bidirectional chargers that allow EVs to serve as backup power sources for homes, approval from automakers like Nissan is necessary for compatibility. The FE-20 charger received approval from Nissan after meeting the automaker’s standards and obtaining UL 1741 certification. This approval provides Leaf owners with the opportunity to further maximize the value and utility of their electric vehicles beyond transportation.
The Nissan Leaf has not received a major update in several years and remains the only EV still using the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard. Despite no longer qualifying for a federal EV tax credit, the Leaf is still competitively priced compared to other vehicles, such as the Nissan Versa economy car. With the addition of bidirectional charging capability, the Leaf offers a unique selling point that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in the market and provides a compelling reason for potential buyers to consider the hatchback.
The approval of the FE-20 bidirectional charger by Nissan expands the range of options available to Leaf owners looking to harness the full potential of their electric vehicles. By enabling bidirectional charging, owners can not only use their cars as mobile energy sources but also potentially save on electricity costs through optimized energy management. This development underscores Nissan’s commitment to advancing the capabilities and functionality of its electric vehicles, providing owners with innovative solutions for sustainable energy usage and integration into the grid.
Overall, the approval of the updated bidirectional charger for the Nissan Leaf represents a significant milestone in the evolution of electric vehicle technology and infrastructure. With improved power capabilities and energy transfer efficiency, the FE-20 charger offers Leaf owners a valuable tool for maximizing the utility and cost savings of their electric vehicles. This development highlights the growing importance of bidirectional charging technology in the automotive industry and underscores Nissan’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for sustainable transportation and energy management.
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