Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Reuse

Battery systems in electric vehicles are expected to outlast the vehicles themselves. Thus at the end of the car’s life, the battery system should still retain 70% of it’s storage capacity. These used battery systems would not be strong enough to power another new vehicle but could they be used for home power systems?

ABB, in partnership with 4R Energy, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and Sumitomo Corporation of America is looking into technical and commercial evaluations of battery energy storage units. The following video is an  interview with Jochen Kreusel, ABB’s Head of Smart Grids:

Power systems using batteries, controllers and inverters are in use today. With a new source of “cheap” reusable batteries, this should be a no-brainer application. Commercial use would likely center on storage for Wind Turbines, which produce power at off-peak times. Solar systems already produce power at peak intervals, though weekend usage requirements are lower.

As the owner of a hybrid car, I’m looking forward to reusing my EV battery for home use. Add the appropriate controller/inverter to charge the batteries during cheap evening power times, then power my home during the expensive daytime period from my batteries. Once my 20 year contract expires for my roof mounted solar system, I can use that source to charge the batteries on weekends as well. Maybe future electricity rates won’t “drive” me to the poor house after all.

Similar Posts:

• How Home Solar Photovoltaic PV Works
• Ontario Rebate for Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid EV
• Electric Vehicle Musings

Filed under: electric vehicles