Selecting the Right CHAdeMO Inverter for Your Nissan LEAF Electric Car

When it comes to choosing a CHAdeMO inverter for your Nissan LEAF electric car, there are several factors to consider. One of the prominent brands in this space is Hitachi, which currently offers the only commercially available bi-directional CHAdeMO V2G Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system. This system allows for the bidirectional flow of energy, enabling both charging and discharging of the car's battery.

Hitachi's Bi-Directional CHAdeMO V2G System

Hitachi stands as the current market leader for bi-directional CHAdeMO V2G systems. Notably, there's only one such system in operation in the US through the JumpStart Maui pilot program in Hawaii, utilizing Hitachi stations. This system has been specifically designed to support V2G technology, which is crucial for grid integration and energy management in smart homes.

Other Providers and Development

Several other companies are in the process of developing CHAdeMO V2G systems. Fermata Energy and Nuvee are notable players in this market. Fermata's system has been certified to meet the UL-9741 US safety standard, which is a significant milestone. These systems are especially important as the deployment of CHAdeMO for V2G remains restricted due to the presence of the CCS2 standard, which, despite widespread adoption, faces slowness in implementation due to existing institutional inertia.

CHAdeMO Standard and Its Decline

While CHAdeMO is currently the only standard supporting V2G, it's worth noting that CHAdeMO is gradually being phased out in many regions, including the United States. Nissan, for instance, has shifted away from using CHAdeMO for upcoming vehicles like the Nissan Ariya, which now supports CCS2 instead. This shift suggests a move towards CCS2, which is more widely adopted and thus more future-proof.

Alternate Solutions for V1L Uni-Directional V2L

If you're not interested in the full bi-directional V2G capabilities but want to use your electric vehicle (EV) as a backup power source during a power outage, you can adopt a simpler solution involving a 1500-watt inverter. This method allows you to draw power from your EV's battery at 1500 watts, which is equivalent to a 120-volt, 15-amp household circuit. However, you will need to extend this power to your home with properly rated extension cords.

Power Budget for a Nissan LEAF

For a 62 kWh Nissan LEAF, the power budget can be detailed as follows. With a 1500-watt inverter connected to the EV's 12-volt side, you can power essential household devices for approximately eight days. This capability ensures that you have a reliable backup power source during emergencies, providing peace of mind and utility.

While the CHAdeMO system offers advanced capabilities for grid integration and energy management, simpler solutions like using a 1500-watt inverter can serve your basic needs during outages. Understanding your requirements and the options available will help you make an informed decision regarding the best approach for your Nissan LEAF electric car.