Nissan has partnered with JVCKenwood Corp. and 4R Energy Corp. to create a portable power source. This innovative development utilizes modules sourced from aging Nissan Leaf electric hatchbacks, as reported by the Associated Press.
Weighing in at a mere 32 pounds (14.4 kilograms), this portable generator features two modules salvaged from first-generation Nissan Leaf vehicles. It is currently available for purchase in Japan at a price of $1,170 (equivalent to 170,500 yen). Detailed information regarding its capacity has not been disclosed, and plans for international availability remain undisclosed at this time.
Examining the unit’s specifications reveals two high-power outputs, along with two USB-A and two USB-C outputs, a 12V socket, and what appears to be a solar power input.
JVCKenwood indicates that a prototype of this consumer battery generator was initially introduced in April 2022. Subsequently, development efforts were expedited to transform the prototype into a commercially viable, mass-produced product.
The first-generation Nissan Leaf battery module, when new, boasted a rating of 64 amp-hours (Ah). Theoretically, a setup featuring two modules could yield a total capacity of 128 Ah. This translates to 28,160 watt-hours (or 28.1 kilowatt-hours) at a nominal voltage of 220V, or 14,080 Wh (equivalent to 14 kWh) at a voltage of 110V. Essentially, a device drawing 1 kW of power at 110V would deplete the battery pack over a span of 14 hours.
However, considering that these are used battery packs, their actual capacity may be lower than the original 64 Ah, potentially resulting in shorter usage times. Nevertheless, this initiative highlights the potential for retired EV batteries to find a second life, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Nissan previously asserted in 2019 that Leaf EV batteries possess the potential to outlast the vehicles they power by up to 12 years, taking into account the vehicle’s average lifespan of 10 years. This underscores the remarkable longevity of high-voltage batteries, whether they continue to propel the vehicle they were designed for or serve in other consumer-oriented technologies.
According to the Japanese automaker, over 650,000 Nissan Leaf units have been sold worldwide since the model’s debut in 2010.
