The companies are collaborating to study the feasibility of second-life use of Volt’s 16kWh lithium-ion batteries as stationary electric grid storage systems to provide cost-effective way of improving the efficiency of the country’s electrical grid.
The project aims to enable the utilities to use the Volt batteries to store electricity generated during off-peak periods to supplement demand during high-peak operation and power outages caused by storms or other natural disasters.
In addition, the Volt batteries whose components are mainly designed and engineered by GM, can be used by industrial customers to store off-peak, lower-priced electrical power for use during peak demand time of day for cost savings.
ABB head of smart grids initiative Bazmi Husain said that future smart grids will incorporate a larger proportion of renewable energy sources and will need supply of a vast e-mobility infrastructure – both of which require a wide range of energy storage solutions.
“We are excited to explore the possibility of employing electric car batteries in a second use that could help build needed storage capacity and provide far-reaching economic and environmental benefits,” Husain said.
