GE (NYSE: GE) and Nissan (NSANF.PK) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore new technologies for electric vehicle smart-charging infrastructure.
GE and Nissan have outlined two key areas for potential collaborations.
The first relates to the integration of electric vehicles with homes
and buildings. The second focuses on electric vehicle charging dynamics
with the larger electric grid. In coming months, GE and Nissan plan to identify specific projects they can partner on in each of these
areas.
Much of the GE work will be conducted at GE’s global research
operations located in Niskayuna, New York, where the latest electric
transportation research and smart grid technology will facilitate the
collaboration. Nissan will participate mainly through it Nissan
Technical Center North America, located in Farmington Hills, Michigan,
with support by the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Japan.
Nissan’s all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is scheduled to launch later this year in Japan, the United States and Europe. Nissan–like Mitsubishi Motors (MMO.F)–has gone "all in" on its electric car initiative, rather than developing its own hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology. But it is yet to be seen, whether consumers will prefer all-electric models or plug-in hybrids, that have the option of burning gasoline for extended driving.
The creation of convenient, reliable charging infrastructures is key to widespread public adoption. Nissan, more than any other car company, is developing collaborative projects to create charging systems. These systems, such as the DOE-funded project led by Ecotality (OTCBB: ETLE), are being designed with open standards, so that any brand of vehicle can be juiced up, but Nissan looks to have the head start on its all-electric competitors.
In January the company closed a $1.4 billion loan agreement with the DOE to retool its manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennesse to produce the Nissan Leaf and battery systems.
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