Rivian to re-purpose EV batteries in solar micro-grid project in Puerto Rico

https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-technology/rivian-to-re-purpose-ev-batteries-in-solar-micro-grid-project-in-puerto-rico/69822204

New Delhi: Electric adventure vehicle manufacturer Rivian plans to re-purpose the used EV batteries in a solar micro-grid project in Puerto Rico.

The company will use the 135kWh batteries from its development vehicles to support the project. This move will supply power to many businesses in the area.

In case of power loss, this solar micro-grid will supply power to the residents of the area for core businesses. This system is also claimed to bring down high commercial energy costs by offsetting day-to-day electric bills.

This project marks the company’s first step in its major plan to utilize the second-life batteries for a wide variety of applications.

Amazon backed Rivian has already designed its pack, module and battery management system for seamless transition from vehicle energy storage to stationary energy storage at the end of the battery’s vehicle life.

Rivian’s second-life applications of the EV batteries are claimed to be space-efficient and customizable.

The project is expected to start in 2020.