Added on June 28, 2019  The News Wheel  
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Nissan LEAF Batteries Headed for Soccer Glory

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With the world’s eyes focused on the Women’s World Cup, everyone is getting excited about soccer (or football, depending on your location). One Ohio firm just announced big plans to turn the Johann Cruyff Arena in the Netherlands into an eco-friendly soccer venue with the help of one key ingredient – Nissan LEAF batteries.

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Eaton, a power management company based out of Beechwood, Ohio, plans to utilize used Nissan LEAF batteries in its xStorage system to help power the home of the Ajax soccer team. It’s in talks to bring the energy solution to six other European soccer stadiums, and more venues might soon sign up when they hear about the energy savings. In the case of the Johann Cruyff Arena, Eaton estimates that the system can power the fully-operational stadium for about an hour with no help from the grid. That includes lighting, sound, and kitchen operations. If the kitchens alone go offline, the stadium can easily handle a three-hour show or match.

Using old Nissan LEAF power cells will save customers about 20% in cash compared to new batteries, Digital Trends reports. The units are more than up to the task despite their status as second-life batteries. Electric car batteries might age to the point where they can’t power something as heavy and complex as a car, but they usually have a life of about 10 extra years outside of the automotive world.

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The only big issue Eaton is facing? The Johann Cruyff Arena uses about 250 second-life batteries in its xStorage system, but it has an additional 340 brand-new, or first-life, batteries as well. This is because there simply aren’t enough used batteries on the market yet to meet a huge demand. As electric cars grow in popularity and age, this will hopefully be less of a problem.

We’re glad that these big power cells won’t be going to waste just because they’re not powerful enough to power a car anymore.

News Source: Digital Trends