Waymo’s old EV batteries are no longer heading straight for recycling. Instead, they will now help store clean energy for local power grids. On Thursday, the robotaxi company announced a new partnership with B2U Storage Solutions, which specializes in repurposing EV batteries for grid-scale storage systems. “Our shared fleet of EVs provide a massive opportunity to support the growth of clean energy on the electricity grid while expanding the circular economy,” said Adam Lenz, head of Sustainability & Environment at Waymo, in a press release. “Through this partnership, we can repurpose our batteries for local grid storage and ensure our batteries continue to provide economic and environmental value to the community long after they’ve retired from the road.” According to the company, after Waymo’s EV batteries are no longer suitable for driving, they will be sent to B2U Storage Solutions to help stabilize power grids, extending their lifespan in the process.
“We’ll be receiving thousands of batteries from Waymo, and these batteries can last seven or more years powering the grid with clean energy,” said B2U Storage Solutions CEO Freeman Hall in a video about the partnership. The batteries will specifically be used to store surplus renewable energy when production peaks during the middle of the day and then dispatch that energy during peak demand in the evening.
