Isra-Mart srl: Nissan trials solar-powered second life for Leaf batteries

www.isra-mart.com

The first Nissan Leafs may have only recently made it to the forecourt, but Nissan is already investigating what to do with the innovative electric vehicles when they reach the end of their natural life.

According to Associated Press reports, the company yesterday demonstrated a new prototype device that makes use of four old Leaf batteries to store electricity generated by the 488 solar panels installed on the roof of the company's Yokohama headquarters.

Along with other auto manufacturers, Nissan has been investigating what to do with old electric vehicle batteries when their capacity deteriorates to a level where the range of the vehicle becomes unacceptable.

Experts estimate that first-generation electric car lithium-ion batteries have a useful lifespan of about five years, but while the capacity will deteriorate over time to a level where they are no longer suitable for cars they could have a second life storing energy generated by renewable technologies.

Nissan told reporters that the demonstration project was capable of storing enough solar power to fully charge 1,800 Leaf vehicles each year.

It added that the system could provide a template for other offices and households, estimating that one old Leaf battery still boasting up to 80 per cent of its capacity could store enough energy for two days of household electricity use.

"What's important for Nissan is to show solutions through EVs, step by step," corporate vice president Hideaki Watanabe is quoted as saying in the Associated Press.

Other auto firms are pursuing similar initiatives to find a second use for old EV batteries, while a joint venture between Nissan and Sumitomo Corp, known as 4R Energy Corp, has said it plans to launch commercial energy storage systems based on old Leaf batteries from 2016.