Nissan and Green Charge Networks, are working together to give second-lives to lithium-ion Leaf batteries by using them for stationary commercial energy storage. Because they are “used” batteries the cost is lower. Companies can make reservations starting, today.
“The partnership will reduce carbon footprints, stress on the energy grid and energy costs,” said Brad Smith, General Manager, Nissan North America.
The Nissan Leaf is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle with over 178K sold since 2010.
A new stationary storage application with Green Charge’s intelligent software and Power Efficiency Agreement allow the second-life energy storage unit to have a cost advantage over traditional units
The first combined storage unit will be installed at a Nissan facility this summer, where multiple Nissan Leaf batteries will be configured to offset peak electricity demand, creating savings while also benefiting the utility grid. These kinds of systems will work with renewable energy sources such as wind or solar to further reduce a facility’s environmental footprint and enhance energy savings.
Engineering teams from both companies have worked together for more than a year to ensure safety, reliability and performance of this offering for commercial customers.
Nissan has conducted multiple research projects in Japan, the U.S. and Europe to use LEAF batteries outside the vehicle through 4R Energy, a joint-venture with Sumitomo Corp. formed in 2010.