Nissan and Hitachi look to cost elevators with EV batteries

TOKYO, Jan 27 (Reuters) – Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co Ltd and a Hitachi Ltd subsidiary mentioned on Friday they plan to roll out a system to maintain elevators operating throughout blackouts by drawing energy from the batteries of electrical autos (EVs).

Few vehicles immediately are able to bi-directional charging, the place autos can change into an influence supply for houses, or feed power again into the grid, although carmakers resembling Ford Motor Co and Renault SA are amongst these leaping on the bandwagon.

In what seems to be an early try in earthquake-prone Japan to make wider use of EV batteries, Nissan and Hitachi Constructing Techniques Co Ltd are centered on holding elevators operating when the ability provide is disrupted.

Throughout a pilot challenge unveiled on Friday, the corporations mentioned that they had stored an elevator with capability for 9 folks operating at gradual velocity for 10 hours by drawing energy from the battery of a Sakura, a totally electrical micro “kei” automobile made by Nissan.

The V2X system makes use of the CHAdeMO charging normal supported by Nissan, an Hitachi Constructing Techniques govt mentioned.

That permits it to additionally draw energy from bigger Nissan EVs, such because the Ariya and Leaf fashions.

Tatsunori Takahashi, a director within the home enterprise administration division of Hitachi Constructing Techniques, mentioned he hopes the agency will begin offering the system to condominium buildings from the monetary yr beginning in April. (Reporting by Daniel Leussink; modifying by Sharon Singleton)