Japanese automakers are pursuing a new sales strategy in which they promote electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles not only as a means of transportation, but also as large household batteries.
The system called V2H, which stands for "vehicle-to-home," connects the batteries on vehicles to solar power generation systems and residences. By connecting a V2H device, which resembles an air conditioner's outdoor unit, to a vehicle, electricity that has been generated with solar power can be used to charge the automobile.
Automakers are hoping to entice homeowners with solar panels to purchase the system.
Toyota Motor Corp. released a partially modified version of its Prius PHV on May 9 that can be used with V2H systems. In tandem, Toyota affiliate Denso Corp. released a V2H unit expected to be priced around 900,000 yen.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to start selling V2H systems with its Outlander plug-in hybrid at its dealerships sometime this year. While a price has yet to be set, this would be the first attempt in the industry sell a bundle that includes a vehicle, solar power equipment and a V2H device.
The company is building corners in its dealerships where people can try out the V2H systems.
The biggest benefit of a V2H system is that electricity stored in an automobile can be used to power televisions, refrigerators and other appliances at any time of day.
Mitsubishi Motors' Outlander will be able to simultaneously power an air conditioner, television and refrigerator, the company said. A full battery could be enough to run an entire household for a day. Of course, the stored energy can also be used to run the automobile.
Why are automakers pushing V2H systems? This is because the purchase scheme -- under which major power utilities purchase at a high fixed price all power generated by solar power producers -- will gradually end from November this year. Automakers see it as a business opportunity.
With the ending of the scheme, the automakers believe it will be better for customers to use the electricity themselves than sell it at a lowered price. If their analysis is true, there could be a bigger demand for the necessary equipment.
The website for Nissan Motor Co.'s Leaf electric vehicle has information about the ending of the fixed-price purchase system and the advantages of V2H systems. Nissan is also considering joint sales campaigns with home builders and others.
"There is a large potential market for V2H. Sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will also probably increase," said Masataka Kunugimoto, Nomura Securities Co. auto analyst.
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