Nissan Starts Exchange Program for Nissan LEAF Batteries in Japan

Nissan had recently come up with the idea of using spent batteries from Leaf cars to power streetlights in Japan. The company is now offering LEAF owners in Japan a chance to exchange the old batteries of their cars for refabricated ones as part of a new fee-based program.
The project will begin in May and motorists who own 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAFs can opt to exchange their used batteries and receive refabricated ones for a fee. Nissan will employ the battery-refabrication capabilities of 4R Energy Corp., a joint venture company it had set up with Sumitomo Corp. in order to refurbish the batteries needed for the program.

The number of spent batteries is expected to climb steadily as the demand for electric vehicles grows. Nissan says that by refurbishing spent batteries it can contribute to reduction of the battery replacement costs and increase the used-car value of electric vehicles. This in turn is expected to enhance the electric-car ownership experience promote their use, and help to lower CO2 emissions in the long run.

Initially, Nissan will offer 24-kilowatt-hour refabricated batteries for 300,000 yen each, and has plans to increase the range of batteries in the future. Exchange costs for brand-new Nissan LEAF batteries are 650,000 yen for 24 kWh; 800,000 yen for 30 kWh; and 820,000 yen for 40 kWh.

Nissan is a market leader when it comes to zero emission cars and has sold over 300,000 Nissan LEAF electric cars. The company is working to create a sustainable-mobility society through the spread of electric vehicles, the enhancement of electric-vehicle infrastructure and the advancement of renewable energy.