Nissan and 4R Energy Corp. have developed a super-green way to recharge its electric vehicles that combines a solar power generation system with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.
Testing of this new charging system began today at Nissan’s Global Headquarters in Yokohama.
In the new charging system, electricity is generated through 488 solar cells installed on the roof of the Nissan headquarters building. Four batteries from the LEAF had been placed in a box in a cellar-like part of the building, and store the electricity generated from the solar cells.
With seven charging stations (three quick charge, four normal charge) located in the headquarter grounds, the total electricity that can be generated and stored is the equivalent to fully charging approximately 1,800 Nissan LEAFs annually.
This new system will enable electric vehicles, which do not emit any CO2 when driven, to be charged through a completely renewable energy source. This is one solution to create a cycle where CO2 emissions resulting from driving is zero. By using the same lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles as stationary storage batteries, electricity can also be supplied to EVs regardless of the time of day or weather, enabling efficient use of renewable energy sources.
4R Energy Corporation, a joint venture established by Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation in September 2010, has already started tests on a compact electricity storage system installed with second-life lithium ion batteries previously used in Nissan LEAFs. Based on the outcome of this larger system, 4R Energy plans to enter the market of mid-sized electricity storage systems for commercial and public facilities.
Demonstration test outline
Solar cell: Maximum power output: 40kW
Power conditioner: Rated power output: 40kW (10kW×4)
Storage battery capacity: 96kWh
Grid management unit: Rated power output: 200kW
EV charging equipment: Quick charger: 3 (50kW×3), Regular charger: 4 (3.3kW×14)
