Japan’s Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has recently announced a partnership with Connexx Systems Corporation to focus on developing second-life solutions for batteries used in its eCanter light trucks. The aim of this collaboration is to repurpose end-of-life truck batteries for use in energy storage systems (ESS).
Starting in February, Mitsubishi Fuso plans to kick off trials to repurpose its end-of-life truck batteries in collaboration with Connexx Systems, a Japanese company specializing in developing next-generation ESS and charging systems. The trials will involve setting up a test facility at the Muko City Hall in Kyoto, Japan, where local official electric vehicles (EVs) will be charged using end-of-life eCanter batteries and Connexx “EnePOND” EV chargers. These chargers have the capability to charge multiple EVs simultaneously.
The concept behind repurposing second-life batteries is to reduce the strain on the nation’s power grid during peak times and provide a backup power source during outages. Additionally, Mitsubishi Fuso believes that utilizing end-of-life batteries can help in cutting costs and expediting the establishment of EV charging networks across the country.
In a bid to further this initiative, the company plans to install an EnePOND EV charging system at its main Kawasaki plant later this year. This system will be used to charge plug-in vehicles, including battery-powered trucks.
Mitsubishi Fuso and Connexx have set their sights on verifying the practicality of the EnePOND EV chargers and identifying applications for reusing used eCanter batteries. This is all in preparation for the planned commercial rollout of a comprehensive charging network in 2026.
The partnership between Mitsubishi Fuso and Connexx represents a significant step towards sustainability and innovation in the electric vehicle industry. By repurposing end-of-life batteries for energy storage systems, the companies are not only contributing to reducing the environmental impact of battery disposal but also paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable EV charging infrastructure.
