Recycled electric vehicle (EV) batteries from automakers Nissan and Stellantis have found a second life powering a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at Italy’s largest international transport hub.
The Nissan LEAF has been on the road for almost 15 years. With its lithium-ion battery typically lasting between 8 to 12 years – or between 160,000 to 240,000km – many of these batteries have now reached end of life.
Lithium-ion battery recycling is an issue. While traditional lead-acid batteries are widely recycled, the same is not true for the lithium-ion versions. They not only contain hazardous materials, but also have a tendency to explode if disassembled incorrectly.
As such, these batteries are finding a second life in various BESS projects.
One example of this is the recently announced PIONEER project (airPort sustaInability secONd lifE battEry stoRage) at Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) Fiumicino Airport – Italy’s largest international transport hub.
The project is a collaboration...