Used Kia EV batteries given second life in energy storage systems

Batteries from electric Kias will be re-purposed for use in energy storage systems, when the car reaches the end of its life.

A new partnership between the car maker and German start-up Encore will see used batteries given a second life.

Used battery packs will be dismantled by Encore and then either used for new battery energy storage systems or recycled depending on their remaining capacity.

Jason Jeong, president at Kia Europe, said: “With our success in the electrification of Kia models, we also take responsibility for the batteries beyond their lifetime in the car. The pioneering partnership between Kia and encore | DB shows that we regard batteries as a valuable resource in terms of a sustainable circular economy.”

Kia Europe and Encore have unveiled a prototype battery storage facility at EUREF-Campus in Berlin, made entirely from reused Kia Soul EV battery modules.

Kia has shared its plans to develop Purpose Build Vehicles (PBVs), autonomous technologies and several new concepts which will set future trends. Kia said it develops every model with a ‘cradle to cradle’ approach, with consideration for end-of-life processes and resource regeneration.  This has led the brand to seek alternatives to the recycling of used EV batteries in favour of Second Life projects, which extend the useful life of batteries through new applications.

Last year, Skoda unveiled plans to launch new power hubs across its dealer network that use old EV batteries to provide sustainable power.

The system is used to power retailer and workshop buildings and deliver rapid charging for customer cars.