Nissan and Sumitomo to research reusing lithium-ion batteries

Nissan and Sumitomo collaborate to find solutions for used lithium-ion batteries

In mid-September 2010, Nissan Motor Company and Sumitomo Corporation announced the establishment of a new joint-venture company that will conduct research on the second-life use of lithium-ion batteries that have been used previously in electric cars.

The two companies had previously worked on a joint study known as the ‘4R Energy’ business intended to ‘Reuse, Resell, Refabricate and Recycle’ the lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars.

The new company will conduct demonstration tests and undertake a commercialisation study to find solutions for the battery's entire value chain and energy-storage.