Revolutionizing Battery Sustainability
INTRODUCTION
EV batteries are subjected to changing discharge rates, extreme operating temperatures, and many partial cycles throughout its life. This results in substantial degradation of traction batteries (more so lithium-ion batteries) mainly in the first five years of their life. Traction batteries are designed such that their useful life lasts around a decade.
Post that, when these batteries do not meet the performance standards required by an electric battery, these batteries still maintain 80% capacity and a self-discharge of 5% while at rest. They can thus be suitable for second-life applications.
OUR SOLUTIONS
Does Recycling Process Stand Out Ecologically?
3% of Lithium-ion Batteries
Due to this, only 3% of lithium-ion batteries were recycled as compared to 90% of lead acid batteries in 2019. Because of this, there is a need to explore alternatives to recycling in the form of business models to support the extension of lifetime of a battery in second life applications.
WHY BECOBA ENERGY
The upfront cost of second life batteries was around $50/KWh in 2019.
These prices will remain competitive at least until 2025, when the cost of a new battery is expected to be around $90/K Wh. These end-of-life batteries can be subjected to reconditioning / refurbishing / repurposing / reusing procedures for use in less demanding applications.
BATTERY REUSE METHODS/PROCESS
End-of-life EV batteries can be reused in both stationary and mobile applications. This involves splitting the spent battery down to the cell or pack level or maintaining the unit and removing low performing cells and replacing them with new or reconditioned cells. There are several methods to reuse spent EV batteries:
RECONDITIONING
Battery reconditioning or regeneration refers to restoring the standard level of electrolytes in a battery is discharged repeatedly, and the cells which are unable to hold charge, are identified and are reconditioned to increase their life.
REFURBISHING
Refurbishing: Refurbishing involves opening the battery, replacing the degraded parts and redesigning the BMS depending on the second life application, etc.
REPURPOSING
This involves replacement of some cells or packs for use in totally different set of application.
REUSING
This involves splitting of the battery down to the cell or pack level post which the individual cells or packs are reused directly in a wide variety of applications.