Old electric vehicle batteries could soon be used to help ensure the power used to charge new electric cars comes from renewable sources.
That is the vision behind a new partnership between Renault and energy storage specialist Connected Energy Ltd, under which the auto giant will provide old batteries from its expanding fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for use in a new energy storage system.
The alliance, which was announced yesterday, will see Renault collect EV batteries at the end of the their usable in-vehicle life and ensure they enjoy a "second life" in Connected Energy's E-STOR system - an energy storage system designed to store renewable power or grid power collected during off peak times.
The companies said the first E-STOR product will be available in the UK from this summer and has been nominally rated at 50kW/50kWhr, meaning it can support a typical EV fast charging unit. The hope is that the approach will both reduce the environmental footprint of EV batteries by extending their working life and make it easier for EV drivers to make use of intermittent renewable power.
Matthew Lumsden, managing director of Connected Energy, said that approach also promised to reduce the cost of running an EV. "E-STOR will enable the more cost-effective roll-out of electric vehicles in commercial and industrial settings, thus increasing the overall sustainability of this clean form of transport," he said. "With Renault we have secured the supply of second life batteries for future E-STOR installations."
The partnership is expected to deliver a steady supply of batteries for second life use, with Renault reporting that sales of its EVs across Europe rising rapidly to 23,000 units last year.
"The second life application of Renault electric vehicle batteries supports Renault's commitment to the energy transition in the automotive industry," said Eric Feunteun, electric vehicle program director at Renault, in a statement.
"Through E-STOR, EV owners can charge their car at reduced costs with electricity that is less carbon-dependent. It makes driving an EV a smart and even more sustainable transportation solution. With this energy management technology, EVs and their batteries become an asset for the grid rather than create overload."
In related news, electric vehicle charge point developer POD Point reportedly beat its £250,000 fund raising target through its latest Open Charge Mini Bond crowd funding campaign.
The website EV Obsession reported last week that the company secured funding from 119 different backers in support of its plans to further expand its UK charging network.
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