In Short : A senior United Nations official has stated that electric vehicle batteries do not lose their usefulness after their automotive life ends. Even when no longer suitable for mobility, EV batteries can be repurposed for energy storage, grid support, and backup power applications. This extended lifecycle supports sustainability, reduces waste, and strengthens the circular economy in the clean energy ecosystem.
In Detail : A United Nations official has highlighted that the end of an electric vehicle battery’s life does not mean the end of its overall utility, emphasizing the importance of second-life applications in the global clean energy transition. While EV batteries may degrade over time and become less efficient for powering vehicles, they still retain substantial storage capacity for other uses.
Typically, an EV battery is considered unsuitable for mobility when its capacity falls below a certain threshold, usually around 70 to 80 percent of its original performance. However, at this stage, the battery can still function effectively in less demanding applications such as stationary energy storage systems.
Second-life EV batteries can be used for grid-level storage, helping balance electricity supply and demand, especially with the growing share of intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. These batteries can store excess power during low demand and release it during peak periods, improving grid stability.
They can also be deployed in commercial and residential settings as backup power systems, supporting buildings, telecom towers, data centres, and microgrids. This helps improve energy reliability, particularly in regions with unstable or limited power infrastructure.
Repurposing EV batteries significantly reduces environmental impact by extending the product lifecycle and minimizing electronic waste. It also lowers the need for new raw material extraction, including critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which have both environmental and geopolitical implications.
From an economic perspective, second-life batteries offer a cost-effective alternative to new storage systems. Since the batteries have already been used, their repurposed versions are cheaper, making energy storage more accessible for smaller businesses and developing markets.
The UN official also stressed the role of recycling as the final stage of the battery lifecycle. Once batteries are no longer viable even for second-life applications, advanced recycling technologies can recover valuable materials and reintroduce them into the manufacturing supply chain.
Developing a strong ecosystem for battery reuse and recycling is seen as essential for achieving global sustainability and climate goals. Clear regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and investment in recycling infrastructure are needed to support large-scale adoption.
Overall, the extended use of EV batteries reflects a shift towards a circular economy model in clean energy. Instead of viewing used batteries as waste, they are increasingly seen as valuable assets that can continue contributing to decarbonisation, energy security, and resource efficiency long after their first life ends.
