Flinders Partners with Mitsubishi for Second-Life EV Batteries
Australian researchers are building a system to reuse retired car batteries for home and farm storage, aiming to create a new industry.
Key points
- Flinders University and Mitsubishi Motors are developing a system to reuse retired EV batteries.
- The project aims to create a new industry for battery storage in South Australia.
- The initiative is supported by a Green Industries SA grant and showcased at Tonsley.
Flinders University researchers in South Australia are working with Mitsubishi Motors to reuse electric vehicle batteries. The goal is to repurpose retired car batteries for home and farm storage.
This initiative was highlighted at the Flinders Factory of the Future Showcase. It is supported by a state government grant from Green Industries SA.
Retired Batteries Remain Useful
Car batteries eventually lose enough capacity to be inefficient for vehicles. However, they often remain safe and capable of holding a charge.
As more electric vehicles are registered annually, a surplus of old batteries is expected. Without a solution, this creates a waste management challenge.
The team aims to solve this by creating a commercial pathway for reuse. This prevents these units from being treated as immediate waste.
Building a Scalable Industry
The project develops an automated manufacturing process for second-life batteries. This includes integrating them with battery management systems.
Researchers will demonstrate prototypes in real-world applications. The aim is to establish a new industry in South Australia.
This aligns with the state’s goal to become a national hub. It focuses on lithium-ion battery reuse and recycling capabilities.
A Proven Global Approach
Companies worldwide have already shown the value of repurposed batteries. In Osaka, Japan, they power self-sufficient streetlights.
