Numerous dumped EV Batteries are being purposefully used by B2U Storage Solutions to serve as battery storage backup for solar panel systems thus, giving them a second life by contributing to the California power grid. The B2U Storage Solutions founded in 2019 in California, is backed by Marubeni Corp, a Japanese trading company. This Los Angeles based start-up uses electric vehicle batteries as backup storage for solar panel systems. 25-megawatt-hours of storage capacity with 1300 former batteries are tied to a solar energy facility in Lanchester, California plant
According to Freeman Hall, this project is believed to be the first of its kind selling power into a wholesale market. It also earned $1 million last year. California power grid gives second life to numerous EV batteries by connecting them to State Power Grid. The aim is to lower the cost of storing carbon-free energy. Batteries used in the B2U system were used to power Nissan and Honda vehicles and are around 8 years old. Project developers are aiming to save both resources and costs by extending the life of batteries. This system by B2U Storage Solutions could lower grid-scale battery capital costs by around 40%
Also Read: How Many Solar Panels and Batteries to Power a House
Technology by B2U eliminates the need of taking apart the battery bundles; instead, it uses battery packs in bundles together. Thus, California power grid is able to meet its energy requirements by giving second life to numerous EV batteries via repurposing those as backup storage. The company seeks to develop such additional projects in California and Texas too. Though the technology is still in the developing stage, grid-scale storage serves as a useful destination for millions of used battery packs which will be dumped from the transition to electric transportation in upcoming years. Also, to deploy massive amounts of battery capacity required for storing solar and wind energy at a time when there is insufficient sunlight or wind, this method serves as a more cost-effective way
