Nissan repurposes old Leaf EV batteries for portable power

author: FutureCar Staff    

Nissan is repurposing the batteries from its older Leaf electric vehicles to create portable power sources. These power sources can be used to charge gadgets on the go, provide emergency power in disasters, and even power outdoor concerts. The Japanese automaker has already sold over 650,000 Leaf EVs, and the batteries in these vehicles often retain a charging capacity longer than the car's lifespan.

Nissan is partnering with electronics maker JVCKenwood Corp. and 4R Energy Corp. to develop these portable power sources. The power stations, weighing 14.4 kilograms (32 pounds), contain two battery modules from the Leaf, while each Leaf uses 48 battery modules. The power sources are currently priced at 170,500 yen ($1,170) in Japan, with overseas sales yet to be determined.

After Leaf owners stop driving their vehicles, Nissan is testing the batteries to determine which ones can still hold a charge. Those that pass the test are then repurposed for the portable power stations. This reuse of batteries helps with sustainability, as EV batteries use expensive rare metals and other raw materials, and their manufacture produces carbon gases.

Balakumar Balasingam, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Windsor, believes that retired EV batteries have great potential in energy storage applications. He explains that while these batteries may no longer be suitable for driving electric cars once their charge capacity declines to about 80%, they can still be used for other purposes. Balasingam emphasizes the importance of finding solutions to reuse these batteries, as otherwise, billions of EV battery packs will be prematurely recycled, posing a problem for sustainability.

Watch the related video to learn more about Nissan's portable power stations and their impact on sustainability.

FutureCar Staff