Distributed energy storage using second-life electric vehicle batteries

Future Electric Vehicle (EV) penetration scenarios predict that in the next decades, thousands of electric vehicles will appear on the UK roads. Electric vehicle batteries are no longer considered fit for purpose after certain amount of degradation, e.g. below 80% of their initial capacity. However, they can be re-purposed for other uses, including stationary electricity storage. This paper examines the future availability of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries, and their potential use as distributed energy storage. The cost of infrastructure upgrades due to the additional peak load of electric vehicles is compared with the estimated distributed energy storage installation cost.