GE and Nissan have teamed to research new technology developments and build a reliable, dynamic smart-charging infrastructure. The two companies recently signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

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 will work to identify specific projects they can partner on in each of these areas, according to a joint press release.

Much of the GE work will be conducted at GE's global research operations located in Niskayuna, N.Y. Nissan will participate mainly through its Nissan Technical Center North America, located in Farmington Hills, Mich., with support by the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Japan.

GE brings to the partnership a customer base that cuts across the entire electric grid network, according to company officials. Nissan's all-electric, zero-emission LEAF is scheduled to launch later this year in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

"In the past few years, we have seen an acceleration of innovations in plug-in hybrid and electric cars that have sparked a revolution in smart-charging technologies," said Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research. "Together with Nissan, we will take a comprehensive look at what technologies will be needed in the car, on the grid and at home or work to make smart charging a reality."

"Nissan's vision is to realize zero-emission mobility through a holistic approach by collaborating with various partners in a broad range of industries," said Shunichi Toyomasu, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. "Working with GE, we expect this joint research project will provide insight for the home/building and electric grid connections that support electric vehicle."