UK-based powertrain developer Hyperdrive Innovation says it has become the first company to use Nissan LEAF's lithium-ion battery technology for its own commercial products.

The company is incorporating the battery modules in intelligent battery systems that can be deployed by manufacturers to power electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as providing energy storage for off-grid and backup utility supplies. The first battery packs are currently being fitted into a number of niche, off-highway vehicles and scalable energy storage for both domestic and commercial markets.

Commercial availability of Nissan's LEAF technology could give automakers a head start in the race to deliver successful electric vehicles. Image credit: Hyperdrive Innovation. "Resurgent UK car manufacturers would have to spend millions of pounds to develop their own electric vehicle batteries," notes Managing Director Stephen Irish. "The ability to acquire world-leading technology and engineering support via Hyperdrive instead could give UK car manufacturers a significant head start in the race to deliver commercially successful electric vehicles."

Commercial availability of the technology also enables homeowners, businesses and network operators to expand their energy storage capacity, Irish adds. For homeowners this means storing the energy they generate from renewable systems such as roof-based solar panels, and for businesses it offers potential operational benefits, energy cost savings and grid continuity.

“As part of our Intelligent Mobility strategy, Nissan is committed to exploring new technology-powered solutions for our customers that go way beyond the electric vehicle itself," comments Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s vice president for manufacturing in the UK. "Hyperdrive’s new product will give customers and business owners the flexibility and power to control how and when they use energy.”