Nissan - Sumitomo JV develops solar-lithium ion charging system

Japan's second largest auto maker, Nissan Motor and its joint venture with Sumitom Corporation, 4R Energy Corporation, today said that the two companies have developed a charging system for 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.

With the new charging system, electricity is generated through solar cells installed at Nissan's Global Headquarters, and is stored in lithium-ion batteries which are equivalent to four units of Nissan LEAFs. 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, reducing CO2 emissions  to zero. By using the same lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles as stationary storage batteries, electricity can also be supplied to EVs during non-daylight periods, enabling efficient use of renewable energy sources.

The 4R Energy joint venture was established between Nissan and Sumitomo in September 2010, to develop a second-life for recyclable advanced lithium-ion batteries.

4R Energy 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, the joint venture firm plans to enter the market of mid-sized electricity storage systems for commercial and public facilities.

Nissan and 4R Energy Corporation will continue various efforts to help move toward a sustainable, zero-emission society.

Nissan, which is a part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, plans to launch Nissan Leaf, its s first affordable, mass-marketed, 100-per cent electric car globally in 2012.

In November 2010,  its alliance partner Renault announced plans to provide charging infrastructure and associated services for electric vehicles in car parks, in assocaitiojn wirh Europe's foremost leader in parking management services, Vinci Park, to allow charging infrastructure at car parks.

Demonstration test outline            

Solar cell:                           Maximum power output: 40kW (Solar Frontier)

Power conditioner:            Rated power output: 40kW (10kW×4) (Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.)

Storage battery capacity:   96kWh (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation)

Grid management unit:      Rated power output: 200kW (Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.)

EV charging equipment:    Quick charger: 3 (50kW×3) Regular charger:4 (3.3kW×14)