According to some auto industry estimates, electric vehicle (EV) batteries that can no longer charge to approximately 80% of their original capacity may be candidates for replacement.
Duke Energy and Itochu believe batteries that become unsuitable for use in EVs could live on in other applications.
Reuse possibilities for these batteries include providing a supplemental home energy supply, storing renewable power and providing a fast-charging power source for EVs.
To determine the technical feasibility and commercial viability of these second-life applications, Duke Energy and Itochu will first gather and analyze data from at least 2,000kWh of Ener1 lithium ion batteries deployed in a fleet of approximately 80 Th!nk plug-in EVs.
Initial testing will occur in Duke Energy’s Indiana service territory.
Duke Energy and Itochu’s pilot program builds upon their involvement in Project Plug-IN, a public/private EV initiative based in Indianapolis.
The companies will assess how EV batteries perform in their ‘second lives,’ including stationary applications in homes, neighborhoods and commercial buildings.
