to sign a research and development agreement. This two year long association has been planned not only to speed up the product development process, but also make sure to develop a strong, reliable and smart electric car that is widely accepted.
The companies have broadly defined two areas to focus on during product research. One area would focus on integration of the electric vehicles with homes and buildings, while the other area emphasises on charging dynamics of various electric cars, and future impact on the grid, following the worldwide popularity of electric cars.
The agreement is expected to bring together different areas of expertise, from both the parties, together, in order to encourage the use of electric cars at large scale. This collaboration would bring together two major industry sectors that will contribute in the development of electric vehicles. It is important to note that General Electric provides more than 25% of total electricity generating equipments available in the world. Thus, it is expected to put forward its sheer expertise while developing a power grid that integrates millions of electric cars.
On the other hand, Nissan, which is currently a leading name among zero emission car manufacturers, with products like Nissan Leaf. Thus, it is expected to bring forward the expertise in developing new technologies and mass market acceptance of electric cars, to assure successful integration into the grid. Commenting on the collaboration, Senior Vice-President of research and development in Nissan America, Carla Bailo said, 'Connections like this research partnership with GE reinforce Nissan’s commitment to bring zero emission mobility to the mass market'.
On the whole, this research and development association will analyse the cost of household electricity, and whether it is affected by the addition of an electric vehicle, while studying its impact on electricity loads.
