Used Nissan LEAF batteries repurposed for train crossings in Japan

Battery technology continues to improve and evolve, with the aim of striking a balance between shrinking size and increasing range. Nissan is showing that old electric vehicle (EV) batteries can still have a second life after they have served their original purpose. 

The carmaker is undergoing a trial run to repurpose Nissan LEAF batteries as an emergency power supply for railroad crossings, in cooperation with 4R Energy Corporation and the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). For the pilot testing, the Atago crossing on the Joban line was chosen, which runs across Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture. 

Rail companies employ emergency power supply units at train crossings to ensure that features such as signaling devices always work properly, ensuring rail and road safety. The units are especially critical during maintenance work and temporary power outages, and typically use lead-acid batteries. In January 2021, these began to be replaced by used Nissan LEAF lithium-ion batteries. 

The program is undergoing pilot testing at the Atago crossing on JR East's Joban line

Nissan says that a LEAF battery retains between 60 and 80 percent of its storage capacity at the end of its life cycle. Reusing these batteries allows the company to use the remaining capacity for other purposes, whether it’s new replacement vehicle batteries or stationary power sources. 

Repurposing EV batteries reduces the amount of rare materials that would otherwise be used by in making a new battery from scratch, as well as the accompanying carbon emissions. It also increases the value of EVs in general by promoting their wider adoption by the public. 

Remote monitoring of lithium-ion batteries means personnel can be optimized for other tasks 

According to JR East R&D Center assistant chief researcher Kaito Tochihara, making the switch also improves the battery’s performance itself. “With lead-acid batteries, we have to periodically visit railroad crossings to check the state of charge and any deterioration.” He says that repurposed lithium-ion batteries have control systems attached similar to EVs that allow them to be checked remotely, improving maintenance standards. 

Another bonus is that the reused EV batteries require only 1/3 of the charging time needed by standard batteries. They also last an average of 10 years, compared to the usual 3-7 years.    

Applications like these can help increase the value of EVs and promote their use    

4R Energy Corporation, one of Nissan’s partners in the project, began operations in 2010 when the LEAF debuted. The company’s facilities in Fukushima receives thousands of used batteries every year for repurposing. Apart from holding a stellar track record for safety and compliance with international standards for recycling, Nissan LEAF batteries are designed to adapt to various climates. 

The repurposed batteries are modified to withstand field conditions such as lightning strikes, which could cause a voltage surge. This will be tested as the program enters its first autumn season, where lightning storms and typhoons are prevalent. 

Will this convince you to get an EV in the future?

“Railways powered by electricity come in various sizes,” Tochihara said. If we can confirm, in this trial, that repurposed batteries are safe for use on railways, then I think we can expect this initiative to be expanded. For example, in wireless communications equipment.” 

The Nissan LEAF is currently available in the Philippines, featuring running costs that are reportedly just half of what you'd normally spend on a gasoline car. A range of up to 311 kilometers is possible on a single charge, and maintenance is nearly 40 percent cheaper than combustion-powered vehicles. The sticker price of Php 2,798,000 isn't exactly loose change, but knowing that the LEAF's battery can still be repurposed should be an argument in favor of Nissan's popular EV.    

Catch more electrifying industry developments at Philkotse.com.