First pass second-life energy storage battery

Could “second-life” batteries be used in stationary battery energy storage systems?

The potential to use “second-life” batteries in stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS) is being explored by several startups, along with some grant programs and a few EV manufacturers.

What is a second life battery (SLB)?

Second life batteries (SLBs), also referred to as retired or repurposed batteries, are lithium-ion batteries that have reached the end of their primary use in applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems (Zhu et al., 2021a).

How EV battery chemistry affect second-life batteries?

Influence of EV battery chemistry on second-life batteries EV Batteries, especially in Europe and the US, have predominantly adopted NMC chemistries in order to facilitate improved energy density and, thus, driving range. The inclusion of nickel and cobalt in the cathode improves the economics of recycling NMC batteries.

What are the challenges to a second-life EV battery deployment?

Major challenges to second-life deployment include streamlining the battery repurposing process and ensuring long-term battery performance. By 2030, the world could retire 200–300 gigawatt-hours of EV batteries each year. A large fraction of these batteries will have 70% or more of their original energy capacity remaining.

Should repurpose batteries have a second life standard?

Standards governing second life should ideally be developed in coherence with those applicable in the first life of batteries, so that companies planning to repurpose batteries perform the same set of tests as for new batteries.

Will second-life batteries fail?

Second-life batteries will either fail or experience exponential growth over the next 3–5 years. Retired batteries are available in increasing quantities, and there is clear demand for low-cost, stationary energy storage. Companies seeking to take advantage of the opportunity must act now, or risk missing the boat.