The EV transition is in full swing, with 9.5 million EVs sold globally in 2023! But what happens to EV batteries after their 10-15 year lifespan? The good news is that they still retain about 70-80% of their original energy storage capacity, offering incredible second-life opportunities for reuse and repurposing.
🔄 Battery Refurbishment & Reuse: Just like refurbishing electronics, EV batteries can be repaired and reused in other vehicles, especially those with shorter range needs. With advancements in battery technology, reuse is becoming more viable, extending the useful life of batteries and reducing the need for new ones.
⚡ Repurposing: EV batteries can also be repurposed to support renewable energy systems. For instance, after being removed from vehicles, they can be tested and combined with other batteries to form larger battery systems that store excess solar or wind energy, ensuring a stable and reliable grid.
Of course, challenges remain—from transportation costs to the complex disassembly of current battery designs. However, innovative solutions and policies are emerging to address these issues, making processes for second-life use more efficient and scalable.
♻️ Recycling: Ultimately, all batteries should be recycled, to reduce the need for new mining, recover valuable minerals, and keep the minerals that we have already extracted in cycle. But before recycling, we can maximize the life and utility of these batteries through reuse and repurposing, helping to build a truly sustainable and circular EV battery supply chain.
A huge thank you to Jessica Dunn, PhD for co-authoring this piece with me - always a pleasure working together!
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#Sustainability #EVs #CircularEconomy