The ‘second life’ potential of batteries is a hot topic at the moment with the rise in EVs meaning more lithium-ion batteries will be in circulation, including the Nissan Leaf being mass-produced in the UK from 2013. ABB and Zero Carbon Futures are both researching the potential utilisation of ‘used’ batteries. When the batteries come out of the cars they would still have around 80% capacity, this would reduce the range of the car but still be sufficient to be put to another application. Zero Carbon Futures, working alongside Nissan, are researching the energy storage potential of the used batteries for home energy management systems.
