Hundreds of used batteries from electric cars are living their “second life” in California with a new function – storing energy generated by photovoltaic installations. In this way, from waste they become a source of stability for the energy system and of income for its operator, writes “Reuters” in its material.
The startup B2U Storage Solutions has 25 megawatt-hours of capacity through a total of 1,300 batteries from Honda and Nissan EVs, which supply electricity when the sun isn’t shining on the solar park. Last year, the company earned $1 million from energy sales.
Old batteries can no longer give sufficient autonomy to the vehicles for which they are intended, but they still retain their charge well enough and this makes them usable for storage up to 8 years of age. They do not have to be disassembled, which reduces the risk of contamination with various dangerous chemicals.
B2U’s technology extends their life, which the company says achieves a 40 percent savings compared to other energy storage solutions.
Plans are to roll out more sites in the states of California and Texas.
