Los Angeles-based energy storage manufacturer B2U Storage Solutions has announced a strategic partnership with robotaxi provider Waymo. The aim of the cooperation is to repurpose batteries from Waymo’s electric vehicle fleet after their decommissioning.Image: B2U Storage SolutionsUsed battery packs from Waymo are set to gain a second life after their initial use in electric vehicles, specifically as part of stationary energy storage systems connected to the power grid. These systems will ‘provide valuable grid services in electricity markets from California to Texas—supporting the same electricity grids where Waymo’s autonomous fleet is already active,’ the partners state.The rationale is that most traction batteries, while no longer suitable for vehicle use once their capacity falls to around 70–80%, still retain sufficient capacity for several additional years in second-life energy storage applications.B2U Storage Solutions states that, under the agreement with Waymo, ‘thousands of retired vehicles from the road to the power sector.’ The company claims to have developed a cost-effective technology for integrating used vehicle batteries into high-performance battery energy storage systems. Once installed, B2U operates the storage units throughout their entire “second life”.The firm also ensures ‘proper recycling after the batteries’ residual value has been realized.’Freeman Hall, CEO of B2U Storage Solutions, comments: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in B2U’s mission to provide integrated repurposing services to the automotive industry. By extending the use of these batteries as grid storage, we are monetizing the full potential of EV batteries, now providing crucial stability to the power grid as energy demand continues to grow.”Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Impact at Waymo, adds: “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. 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.”Currently, Waymo’s fleet consists of around 3,000 electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. However, just a few days ago, Waymo announced that it will integrate its new Ojai vehicle model into public service in the coming weeks.globenewswire.com