Renault to upcycle EV batteries
Renault has partnered with Powervault, a home electricity storage company, to re-use electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Powervault is a home battery system, which enables homeowners to live smarter by increasing their ability to store and use the solar energy freely-generated from their own solar panels.
Fifty second life batteries supplied by Renault are being trialled in the homes of customers who already have solar panels installed. The trial will help assess the performance of these batteries as well as customer reaction with the aim of developing a roll-out strategy for the mass market.
The trial will be run with eligible customers of M&S Energy, plus social housing tenants and schools in the south east.
Joe Warren, managing director of Powervault, said ‘The collaboration with these two household name brands – Renault and M&S – is an important milestone on our journey towards achieving mainstream adoption of home energy storage. Homeowners and brands are now looking to benefit from the smart power revolution. It’s only a matter of time before a Powervault becomes as common in [UK] households as a dishwasher.’
Nicolas Schottey, programme director, EV batteries and infrastructures at Renault, explained, ‘Thanks to this home energy storage 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 building and districts. The second life use not only gives additional life to electric vehicle batteries before they are recycled, but also allow consumers to save money. It’s a win-win-win: for EV owners, home-owners and the planet.’
The partnership could see a reduction of 30% in the cost of Powervault smart battery units.
