Finally a more concrete example of automaker plans to recycle batteries. And it appears that Nissan Motor Company is leading the “pack” (so to speak)
Nissan will form a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation to recycle lithium ion batteries for the new EV kid on the block — the Nissan LEAF.
One of the biggest upsides to automotive battery recycling is that it could make electric cars more affordable — not to mention greener. The Nissan / Sumitomo alliance also represents an example of Nissan’s effort to catch up with such rivals as Honda and Toyota whose main fuel-economy focus has been aimed at gasoline-electric hybrids. Recycled batteries may be put to use as photo-voltaic solar storage units or to store back-up power.
Amazingly, lithium-ion batteries — at least the ones that Nissan will be using in the LEAF– will keep up to 80% capacity–even after a ten-year life span in an electric car. Now that’s something to get all charged up about.
LEAF Battery Pack
Posted by Linda Nicholes, Plug In America board member
