Repurposing Used Electric Car Batteries: A Review of Options

In the United States, millions of electric and hybrid vehicles have cumulatively been sold. Although the batteries in these vehicles are expected to last at least 8 years, end-of-life options must still be considered. There are several possible options for battery packs from electric vehicles when they reach end-of-life, including remanufacturing, repurposing for a different application, and recycling. Remanufacturing is the most desirable end-of-life scenario but is the most stringent in terms of battery quality. Recycling is less desirable because there are larger material and energy losses that occur in the process. Repurposing batteries for a different use lies between these two scenarios in terms of desirability. This review paper focuses on non-automotive reuse and explores several options for using electric car battery packs in grid energy storage applications.