Nissan and its affiliate 4R Energy Corporation have teamed up with the town of Namie, Japan, to install new street lights that will be powered by a combination of solar panels and used batteries from the Nissan LEAF electric car.
The project, titled The Reborn Light, aims to provide public lighting for Namie’s residents as part of the town’s recovery efforts following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.
The project uses the growing number of used electric-car batteries that will become available as electric vehicles increase in popularity around the world.
Nissan and 4R have created a new type of outdoor lighting that operates completely off the main power grid, requiring no electric cables or outlets.
A prototype will be tested this month at the 4R battery reclamation factory in Namie, with full-scale installation beginning in FY 2018.
The LEAF is the world’s first mass-produced electric car and also the world’s best-selling EV.
A second generation LEAF was launched in September 2017.
Nissan says drivers will feel more confident, excited and connected thanks to the car’s ProPILOT (ProPILOT Assist in the U.S.) technology, ProPILOT Park technology, e-Pedal, increased power and range, and improved refinement, comfort and convenience.
Maybe.
But we do like the idea of recycling the batteries from the old LEAF in this novel and perhaps practical way.
By the way we love the video.
CHECKOUT: NIssan turns over a new LEAF
CHECKOUT: Pizza delivery, minus the driver