It's no longer just Point A to B: Nissan's EV batteries go beyond car use

Nissan wants you to make the most out of your Electric Vehicle (EV), as it hosted a panel discussion about its Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology and its EV ecosystem.

The Japanese brand aims to fully use the potential of its electric vehicles from their battery packs and beyond while being environmentally friendly. To achieve this, the Japanese company is adopting various sustainability measures along with its push toward electric mobility.

Charging the way for the future

Nissan believes that renewable energy sources like solar and wind will replace the current grid. They will also be necessary for transportation as the Japanese automaker see a future with EV technology.

The automaker believes EVs can benefit the electrical grid, especially in times of surplus.

An example of this is solar energy, especially around noon time. An abundance of power available would be well-spent if captured or stored. The automaker thinks EVs can act as mobile storage devices for this potentially wasted energy that can be used later.

Nissan estimates that around 90% of the time, EVs are just parked, which wastes their potential to do more. Using these vehicles as storage could benefit the owner and the power grid during an energy deficit or emergency. 

Powering the power grid

About the power grid, Nissan says that as “mobile power banks,” its EVs can return the excess power that they have stored when needed with its V2X technology.

It can benefit the owner as power companies can buy this excess energy from the vehicle owner, especially when the grid needs it most, helping it balance itself and maximize its capabilities. 

With this V2X technology, EVs such as the Nissan LEAF and Nissan Ariya have become more than just a mode of transportation that everyone can benefit from. It also increases the vehicle's residual value as it can be used for multiple purposes. 

These EVs can also be a  business opportunity for the Japanese automaker, not just as a vehicle sale, but as a power provider by storing excess energy produced with its new generation of factories and facilities. 

Nissan’s four R’s

Nissan understands that many materials are needed to create a battery pack for its EVs, so it made its four R’s. 

The four R’s represent, Reuse, Refabricate, Resell, and Recycle.

When an EV’s battery pack reaches a certain percentage of energy retention, its modules are replaced. Nissan replaces these modules when they can only store 90% of capacity. After this, these packs are reused to power other vehicles, such as robots in factories or forklifts.

Aside from reusing these modules, the automaker also refabricates them for other uses in other devices. 

Once these modules are fully used, the rare metals are extracted for new battery packs. Nissan then resells these battery packs to other companies that may need them. These “new” battery packs may even be reused to power EVs if they meet specific criteria.

The goal here is to prolong the life of the EV along with its battery packs, so nothing is wasted. 

Socially responsible

The discussion was live-streamed on Youtube, covering topics such as charging, discharging, sustainability, business opportunities, and the other uses of EVs for the future. 

The first half of the event covered the brand’s EV ecosystem and how its EVs can be used as more than just transportation. In contrast, the second half covered how it plans to maximize the battery packs found in its EVs.

Interested to know more about Nissan's future EV plans? Watch the Nissan Futures video stream here: