There will be several millions of discarded EVs awaiting disposal after a few years, and the li-ion batteries contained within these EVs can actually be used for something else other than being recycled, reused, and remade into new batteries. A large solar and energy storage hybrid system that is recently established in California is formed with 1,300 batteries from discarded EVs.
B2U Storage Solutions’ development of the large-scale energy storage system SEPV Sierra at Lancaster of California through EV batteries has been marked as a second wind for discarded batteries.
B2U, utilizing the patented EV Pack Storage (EPS) technology, repeatedly utilized 1,300 EV battery units made by Nissan and Honda that can be used more than once, and formed a 25MWh energy storage plant at the end. These battery units are exempted from any alterations, and the process is also able to lower the corresponding cost, with UL 9540 standard being acquired at the same time.
Batteries of other suppliers can also be applied for this technology. B2U commented that the company has successfully operated batteries for any EVs by testing the battery units of Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 using the EPS system.
The EPS system can continuously monitor and control each single battery, as well as ensure a safe operation of batteries. EPC rack controllers and auxiliary equipment perceive and manage the internal cabinet environment surrounding each battery, where disconnection will automatically happen when modules deviate from operating rules and design restriction in order to lower any potential risks.
Seeing how there is still improvement to be achieved regarding the recycling technology of li-ion batteries, turning discarded lithium batteries into battery energy storage system plants may be one of the most optimal paths, since power grids would become increasingly dangerous under uneven power generation with the increase of penetration in renewable energy, especially with areas with abundance of solar power generation such as California, where thermal power plants would have to lower their load, or require energy storage systems to store excessive power, when solar power generation reaches the peak level during the afternoon, in order to avoid grid overload.
 (Photo source: B2U Storage Solutions)