As sustainability becomes paramount, the urgency to meet net-zero targets becomes more apparent. In a significant stride towards this goal, automotive leader Volvo has forged a strategic partnership with Connected Energy, a renowned provider of second-life battery energy storage systems (BESS), to harness the untapped potential of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries.1
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Unleashing the Potential of Second-Life Batteries
Battery energy storage is an invaluable asset in decarbonization. This technological solution will help enhance carbon savings, reduce emissions, and address peak demand challenges caused by electrification.2
In its mission to support and secure a sustainable circular business model for batteries, Volvo Energy has entered into a Letter of Intent with Connected Energy. The aim is to construct battery energy storage systems using batteries sourced from Volvo electric trucks, buses, and machinery after they have reached their peak usage in mobile applications. This initiative will help give these batteries a new lease of life, resulting in substantial environmental and economic advantages.
There is a great deal of untapped potential in the second-life use of batteries. This forward-leaning investment aims to facilitate the scaling-up of second-life battery energy storage systems and further secure circular business opportunities for the forthcoming ramp-up in Volvo Group’s second-life battery returns.
Joachim Rosenberg, President Volvo Energy
Future-Proofing With E-STOR Technology
When EV batteries reach the end of their optimal life in a mobile application, they still have approximately 80% energy storage capacity.2 Making use of this untapped capacity, Connected Energy has pioneered groundbreaking technology that can effectively deploy this otherwise wasted energy in stationary energy storage applications.
In the coming years, the volumes of returning batteries from first life applications will substantially increase. This represents a key opportunity for OEMs like Volvo Group. Together we have the potential to develop and commercialise second life energy storage systems that make electric vehicles (EVs) even more sustainable.
Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy
Looking ahead, Volvo and Connected Energy aim to develop the first prototype version of the system later this year, with the objective of introducing these advanced energy storage systems to the European market as soon as 2025.
Volvo has already taken a proactive step by implementing Connected Energy's well-established E-STOR technology at its facility in Sweden. The system is currently undergoing testing and evaluation to assess its compatibility with the Swedish grid.
Our ambition for a deepened collaboration with Connected Energy will be a key milestone in our mission to move from a linear business model to a circular one by optimizing the batteries’ full lifecycle whilst creating a product that will enable the transition to a world powered by renewable energy.
Elisabeth Larsson, Senior Vice President Sales & Services from Volvo Energy
This partnership between Volvo and Connected Energy represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable future, where used EV batteries become valuable assets in the transition to renewable energy.
References and Further Reading
- Burns, S. (2023) Volvo energy explores second life for EV batteries with connected energy, Connected Energy. Available at: https://connected-energy.co.uk/news/volvo-energy-explores-second-life-for-ev-batteries-with-connected-energy/
- Bess for Energy Managers: Connected Energy (2023) BESS for Energy Managers | Connected Energy. Available at: https://landing.connected-energy.co.uk/bess-for-energy-managers-whitepaper
- Volvo, A. (2022) Volvo energy invests in connected energy for Second Life Battery Business, Welcome to Volvo Energy. Available at: https://www.volvoenergy.com/en/news-media/news/2022/jun/news-4292128.html