Renault and British energy storage provider Powervault are collaborating on a UK pilot to re-use EV batteries in home energy storage units. Powervault will place 50 trial units, powered by Renault second-life batteries, in the homes of customers who have solar panels.

The trial will explore the technical performance of second-life batteries as well as customer reaction, in order to help develop a roll-out strategy for the mass market.

According to Renault, the batteries used in EVs usually have a lifetime of 8 to 10 years. However, they are still useful for stationary applications for up to 10 additional years. Renault removes the battery packs from the vehicles, unpacks and grades them, and Powervault makes them into smaller battery packs for its application.

The Powervault trial will start in July and last 12 months. The 50 units in the trial will be delivered to customers of utility M&S Energy, as well as social housing tenants and schools in the borough of Greenwich.

“Thanks to this partnership with Powervault, Renault is adding a new element into its global strategy for second-life batteries, which already covers a large number of usages from industrial to residential buildings,” said Nicolas Schottey, Program Director, EV Batteries and Infrastructures at Renault.

Source: Renault