Nissan powers blow-up camper

Nissan was one of the first 21st century mainstream car manufacturers to go down the electric car route, with its plug-in battery powered Leaf hatch launched almost a decade ago.

So it’s no surprise it’s also one of the first car companies to take positive steps towards recycling the limited-life lithium-ion car batteries that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Part of the Japan car-maker’s ‘Nissan Energy’ initiative, which includes integrating a Nissan Leaf into the household electricity grid, the latest project sees old lithium-ion car batteries recycled and reused as a portable power source for camping.

Dubbed the Nissan Energy ‘Roam’ the all-in-one, weatherproof power pack has a storage capacity of 700Wh and a power output of 1kW, to help run portable fridges, lights, and other small appliances when enjoying the great outdoors.

To show off the potential of this ‘second life’ battery technology, Nissan has teamed up with UK-based Opus Campers, which introduced the world’s first self-inflatable camper trailer, the Air Opus, in 2016, that uses a tent canopy supported by air poles, rather than a traditional metal frame.

Mounted in a slide-out compartment on the Air Opus camper (which is available in Australia for around $30,000 with a fixed 12V AGM lead acid battery system), Nissan says the Roam powerpack can provide enough 230V or 12V power for seven days of camping, with top ups from a roof-mounted solar panel.

Like other portable powerpacks available on the market, the Nissan Roam can be removed and recharged away from the camper, by plugging into any mains electricity outlet.

Nissan said the recycled Roam powerpack is “a real-world example of how the company is integrating its battery technology and EV expertise into entirely new business sectors… delivering cleaner, more sustainable solutions to those who need power on the go”.

"Nissan's leadership in energy services means we are not only transforming the way people drive, but also the way we live,” said Nissan Energy managing director Francisco Carranza.

“The Nissan X Opus concept is a real-world example of how Nissan Energy Roam can integrate into our lifestyles – in this case the hugely popular leisure activity of camping."

The Nissan X Opus concept is making its public debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in the UK, which runs February 19-24.

The Nissan Roam powerpack will go on sale in Europe later this year, with pricing and availability on the Australian market yet to be announced.