Most batteries from dismantled EVs have residual capacity that is sufficient for other applications such as stationary energy storage. There are multiple companies testing second life business models: EV makers (Nissan, Audi, BMW), stationary storage manufacturers (Ampere Energy, Powervault), recyclers (Fortum, Umicore) and startups (BeePlanet Factory, ReVolta). 

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Although the number of LIBs available for repurposing is growing rapidly, there are many concerns around repurposing of EV batteries. First, EU regulations currently do not allow the transfer of EPR from EV maker to the manufacturer of 2nd life battery storage. Second, there is little surveillance over the performance and safety of repurposed batteries. Third, since the prices of new LIBs are decreasing by 20% every year [1], the financial benefits of using second life batteries will be diminishing in the future. Finally, by 2029 the number of LIBs available for repurposing may outgrow the demand on the EES side, calling into question long-term investments in repurposing capabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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References
[1]    “Battery Pack Prices Fall As Market Ramps Up With Market Average At $156/kWh In 2019 | BloombergNEF,” BloombergNEF, Dec. 03, 2019. https://about.bnef.com/blog/battery-pack-prices-fall-as-market-ramps-up-with-market-average-at-156-kwh-in-2019/ (accessed Apr. 16, 2020).
[2]    H. Bekker, “2019 (Full Year) Europe: Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Car Sales per EU and EFTA Country - Car Sales Statistics,” Car Sales Statistics, Feb. 06, 2020. https://www.best-selling-cars.com/electric/latest-europe-electric-and-plug-in-hybrid-car-sales-per-eu-and-efta-country/ (accessed Apr. 16, 2020).
[3]    Contributors to Wikimedia projects, “Plug-in electric vehicles in Europe - Wikipedia,” Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Jan. 29, 2018. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicles_in_Europe (accessed Apr. 16, 2020).
[4]    “Battery market – Accurec Recycling GmbH.” https://accurec.de/battery-market (accessed Apr. 15, 2020).
[5]    K. Field, “BloombergNEF: Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Densities Have Almost Tripled Since 2010 | CleanTechnica,” CleanTechnica, Feb. 19, 2020. https://cleantechnica.com/2020/02/19/bloombergnef-lithium-ion-battery-cell-densities-have-almost-tripled-since-2010/ (accessed Apr. 15, 2020).
[6]    “Passenger cars in the EU - Statistics Explained.” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Passenger_cars_in_the_EU#Overview (accessed Apr. 16, 2020).