GM Set to Announce Secondary Use for EV Batteries
GM is following in the footsteps of other automakers by finding ways to recycle used hybrid and EV batteries.
The American automaker will announce its plans for a secondary use of its electric vehicle batteries next week, focusing on extending the economic life of a vehicle battery after its no longer needed in a hybrid or electric vehicle. In the past, the company discussed the idea of redeveloping its EV batteries for use in the energy grid and it is likely that GM is going to do something similar to Toyota. Recently, Toyota announced that it has taken its used Camry hybrid batteries to help power the Yellowstone National Park.
SEE ALSO: Toyota Puts Used Hybrid Batteries to Good Use
“In many cases, when an EV battery has reached the end of its life in an automotive application, only 30 percent or less of its life has been used,” said Pablo Valencia, GM senior manager of battery lifecycle management. “This leaves a tremendous amount of life that can be applied to other applications like powering a structure before the battery is recycled.”
Last month, Tesla unveiled a new division of products focused on using its battery technology to power homes. Three years ago, GM and Switzerland-based ABB demonstrated how five used batteries from the Chevrolet Volt could be repackaged to provide two hours of electricity needed by three to five average American households.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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