Redeploying second-life EV/HEV batteries for novel renewable energy applications: A Feasibility Study

The Battery n-Life Project assesses the technical and commercial feasibility of reusing EV and PHEV batteries for stationary applications. The study identifies the key considerations of battery availability, degradation, reconfigurations requirements and n-life application cost benefit analysis. Future battery availability is a function of vehicle purchase cost and total cost of ownership, which are in turn dependent on purchase model. Also, battery recycling cost also increases the market for n-Life applications. An assessment of battery degradation indicates that significant value will remain in traction batteries at end of vehicle life, especially in EVs. However clarity is needed for n-Life customers on late onset accelerated degradation to quantify risk.
Batteries of different chemistries, impedances or capacities may be reconfigured together in one application. This requires advanced management to avoid high power electronics costs. A cost benefit analysis of used batteries for a variety of n-Life applications is presented in context of existing storage options. This is accompanied by a set of case studies; renewables integration, community storage and upgrade deferral.