Redwood Materials finds retired EV batteries exceed quality forecasts as it scales second life storage projects
By Eve
Redwood Materials reports that used electric vehicle batteries are proving to be of much higher quality than initially expected, according to a company executive speaking about the firm's expanding second life battery energy storage system (BESS) programme. The Nevada based battery recycler and materials producer is leveraging retired EV packs for stationary storage applications rather than immediate recycling. The finding supports growing industry confidence in repurposing automotive batteries for grid scale and commercial energy storage once they fall below the performance threshold for vehicle use.
Why it matters: Better than anticipated battery health extends the economic life of EV assets and strengthens the business case for second life storage projects that CPOs and fleet operators may co locate with charging infrastructure. The development also signals maturing supply chains for cost competitive stationary storage, which can improve site economics by managing demand charges and providing grid services at depot and public charging locations.