Volume 61

Preconditions for the Development and Implementation of Second-Life Batteries in Energy Storage Solutions Suchandra Paul, Koteshwar Chirumalla, Erik Dahlquist

Abstract

The rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents an imminent challenge leading to the management of retired lithium-ion batteries. Second-life battery (SLB) solutions reusing EV batteries in stationary storage applications have gained substantial attention due to their potential environmental and economic benefits. However, the successful development and implementation of SLB in a specific context depend heavily on meeting preconditions across technical, operational, and business domains. This study systematically explores these preconditions through a synthesis of academic literature complemented by semi-structured interviews with companies in the EV battery ecosystem. In total, the study identifies seven preconditions for development and seven preconditions for implementation, providing a structured understanding of the requirements across both phases. Findings highlight the necessity of early diagnostics, safe disassembly, robust performance evaluation, and comprehensive system integration strategies. The study concludes with a discussion on the pressing need for harmonized procedures, enhanced monitoring frameworks, and market aligned business models to unlock the potential of SLB solutions within a circular economy.

Keywords Second-life battery, Energy storage, Battery circularity, Battery management, Circular economy, Circular business models.