The Nissan Navara EnGuard emergency support pickup may not be an electric-powered vehicle, but it is has found a great new use for lithium-ion batteries all the same. It features two onboard battery packs slotted into the load bay with charging by the diesel engine.
The Motor Manufacturer’s New Use for Lithium-Ion Batteries
The battery packs have plug-ins for dual 220-volt AC sockets and three USB ports. These facilitate powering mains electrical equipment, as well as tablets and smartphones in remote areas. This is a wonderfully green way to bring technology to remote areas without firing up noisy generators and producing toxic fumes. This also reduces the possibility of bush fires caused by fuel spillage.
The new use for lithium-ion batteries leave sufficient space in the load bay for two pullout fiberglass trays for emergency resuscitation and rescue equipment. Not content with just that, the Nissan Navara EnGuard deal includes a DJI Phantom 4 Drone with joystick control from the cab.
Nissan’s Deeper Interest in the Project
The Japanese car maker has sunk its roots deep into electric cars with its 100% electric LEAF family runabout. Batteries are a significant cost component. It is actively seeking new ways of using high-energy lithium batteries after they have degraded beyond automotive use, but can still hold charge.
Earlier this year it released home energy storage packs, using ‘second life’ batteries. This is a fantastic alternative to large lithium-ion battery disposal, especially as the long-term way ahead is not yet clear.
The current method involves dismantling, and then burning in a high temperature furnace. Recycling lithium and aluminum from the slag is neither economically nor energy effective. What Nissan is doing is important. We need electric cars that are green throughout their life cycle. We must look beyond the now to the how.
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