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Some Waymo robotaxis are already getting old, at least in terms of miles driven and technological evolution. The company is apparently at the point that it has old, used EV batteries it no longer needs. Now it is going to help community clean energy projects by supplying these used batteries to their efforts.
“As communities work to build more sustainable electricity grids, Waymo is championing the circular economy by transforming our retired electric vehicle batteries into clean energy storage in areas where we operate,” Waymo shares.
“Today, we’re proud to announce our new EV battery repurposing program in partnership with B2U Storage Solutions. This strategic collaboration ensures that once our batteries are retired from our all-electric fleet, they begin a vital second chapter: powering the local electricity grids,” Waymo added on Thursday.
Waymo doesn’t hold its heart on its sleeve when it comes to cleantech. It doesn’t normally make a big show of how much it’s helping to cut emissions, that it uses only fully electric vehicles, etc. I assume the leadership and PR team are focused on seeming neutral on “political” matters (unfortunately, maintaining a stable, livable climate and clean air are seen as political matters these days). I assume they want the support of people of all political stripes — or at least don’t want to be obstructed by some of them. In any case, though, it’s great to see Waymo helping to cut CO2 emissions and pollution in more ways.
