Kia Europe has confirmed plans to re-use former electric vehicle (EV) batteries in 'Second Life' battery energy storage systems as part of its global strategic focus on sustainability.
The Korean company has partnered with Deutsche Bahn, which receives EV battery packs from across Europe to build and distribute second life battery energy storage systems.
Suitable recycled battery modules can find a new life instead of simply going to the junkyard EV battery packs are dismantled to battery module level and go through diagnostic testing, with suitable modules then either used for new battery energy storage systems, or recycled depending on their remaining capacity.
The two companies have unveiled a prototype battery storage facility at EUREF-Campus in Berlin, Germany, made entirely from reused Kia Soul EV battery modules.
Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe, remarked that the company wants to take responsibility for the batteries beyond their lifetime in cars. Jeong pointed out that the partnership with Deutsche Bahn is proof of how batteries are regarded as a valuable resource in terms of a sustainable circular economy.
The Korean company has partnered with Deutsche Bahn, which receives EV battery packs from across Europe to build and distribute second life battery energy storage systems.
The two companies have unveiled a prototype battery storage facility at EUREF-Campus in Berlin, Germany, made entirely from reused Kia Soul EV battery modules.
Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe, remarked that the company wants to take responsibility for the batteries beyond their lifetime in cars. Jeong pointed out that the partnership with Deutsche Bahn is proof of how batteries are regarded as a valuable resource in terms of a sustainable circular economy.
