Nissan to give second life to LEAF batteries at corporate HQ, takes stake in ChargeScape

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor has announced it will take a 25% stake in ChargeScape, a software company that connects electric utilities, automakers and drivers, and that it is deploying two power management systems using second-life batteries from the Nissan LEAF.

ChargeScape is a joint venture founded in 2023 by BMW, Ford and Honda, each with an equal ownership stake, that is focused on integrating EVs into power grids to enable the smart use of plugged-in EV batteries. The alliance’s software connects to electric vehicles wirelessly and “manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions,” temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging. The software can support V1G, a unidirectional technology that can send energy back into the grid when needed, or V2G, a bidirectional recharging protocol. 

When connected to ChargeScape’s platform, an EV driver can opt to pause charging temporarily in return for a financial incentive during periods of high demand. Drivers will eventually be able to sell the energy stored in their vehicle’s batteries back to the power grid, the group said. 

Once the transaction closes, Nissan will become an equal 25% investor in ChargeScape and the three founding companies will each see their stakes reduced from 33.3% to 25%. Nissan then plans to roll out the consortium‘s software to its EV customers in the US and Canada. 

Meanwhile, in Franklin, Tennessee, the Nissan Americas Headquarters is gaining two battery systems that use second-life LEAF batteries for storage. The storage system will help offset building power consumption while extending the useful life of the EV batteries.  

The battery energy storage solution (BESS) will supply power to the headquarters building during its peak demand times and recharge during off-peak hours. The BESS will be managed in partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric, 7 States Power and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. 

“The project is a core part of Nissan’s sustainability goals, contributing to the company’s mission of maximizing the use of repurposed and recycled materials while minimizing the amount of waste generated,” the company said. 

Source: Nissan