Nissan ROAM camper power pack gives second life to used EV batteries

Nissan and OPUS Campers have taken the wraps off a new camper concept that taps used electric vehicle batteries to offer power while on the go. Called the Nissan x OPUS concept, this camper features ROAM, a portable and weather-resistant power pack from Nissan Energy. Unlike the gas generators used by some campers, ROAM is silent and free of emissions.

According to Nissan, its ROAM power pack is mounted within a specially designed compartment within the OPUS camper, enabling users to charge devices, use lights, and more for around seven days, assuming a solar panel is used as well. ROAM provides 1kW power output with a storage capacity of 700Wh.

The power pack offers a second life for the batteries originally used in electric vehicles, giving them an additional environmentally-friendly purpose before it eventually becomes necessary to recycle them. Campers have the option of removing the all-in-one power pack to recharge it elsewhere via an ordinary 230v domestic socket.

Assuming the smart camper's solar accessory is used, it is also possible to recharge the ROAM power pack using sunlight in a few hours, depending on the amount of sunlight available. According to Nissan, its power pack is designed for leisure and professional uses in situations where portable, clean, and silent energy is needed.

The two companies plan to show off the Nissan x OPUS camper concept at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in the United Kingdom later this month. Nissan says its ROAM power pack will be launched in the European market later on in 2019 with prices to be announced. It's unclear whether the product will launch elsewhere in the future.