Currently reading: Nissan plans to revolutionise electric car charging

Japanese car maker suggests future cars could recharge themselves on the go and at home

Nissan has showcased its vision for an electric future at this year’s Geneva motor show.

Following a 12-month project in partnership with architect Foster and Partners, Nissan has announced that the fuel station of the future could simply be the car itself.

The use of technology, such as solar panels, wireless EV chargers and autonomous driving technology, could not only charge a car, but also enable the car to charge the home.

Cars could connect wirelessly to an underground electricity grid through specific points, with the power being generated from solar, wind and wave resources.

The vehicles can be left to park themselves into bays to charge overnight and will autonomously swap with other cars when charged. The car would then connect to the owner’s house, providing electricity to power the home.

The car maker is currently testing the vehicle-to-grid system across Europe, allowing cars to operate as individual ‘energy hubs’, which will be able to store, use or return clean energy to the grid.

London-based Foster and Partners has revealed a number of forward-thinking transport proposals, including unique pathways that sit above railway lines, creating a safer transport route for cyclists.

The Japanese manufacturer also recently announced it will use electric-vehicle technology to power its new Nissan office in France. The new building will have a 1 MWh energy storage system and will be powered by 64 Nissan Leaf second life EV batteries, combined with solar energy generation.

Watch Nissan's vision for an electric future:

Danni Bagnall 

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