LEAF batteries to light up Japanese town

As Nissan has been making more and more electric vehicles, the car manufacturer has also been aware that there will be many decommissioned electric car batteries in the future. As the auto industry makes the transition to electric power, battery repurposing and recycling will be one of the obstacles to be overcome. 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 utilises 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. Since the lights are not connected to the grid, even in the case of a natural disaster which could knock out the central power supply, the Nissan lights can keep on working. A prototype will be tested March 26 at the 4R battery reclamation factory in Namie, with full-scale installation beginning shortly.  Nissan LEAF batteries to light up Japanese town