Used EV batteries eyed to provide alternative power source

ZHUHAI, China: The Ayala group is already finding possible initiatives to repurpose the used batteries of electric vehicles (EV) after serving its original function.

AC Motors Automobile Group President Antonio Zara III said that the aforementioned firm is already in talks with probable technology partners that will help create a system to recycle the used car batteries fitted on electrified models.

Zara is looking into the scenario that the batteries of EV models will eventually lose its original capacity to power up vehicles.

To note, AC Motors already have the purely electric BYD models namely the Han, Tang, and Dolphin alongside the Kia EV6. Additionally, the BYD Atto 3 is set to be unboxed within the month.

"We are looking at turning these used EV batteries as storage packages for alternative power sources like solar power panels," Zara said in chance conversation with Carmudi Philippines during a regional test drive event.

He explained that aging batteries will only have a reduced storage capacity — its electric current output would be the same.

Such move will help the cause of electrified mobility as the batteries will no longer be dumped immediately after its original use in EV units.

However, Zara admitted that the main challenge would be the collection of the batteries, explaining that the process could be tedious to some.

He noted that to extract the batteries and replace it with a new one, the cars have to be lifted as the portion can be access underneath. Aside from that, not all EV owners would have the time to surrender the batteries to facilities that are repurposing the scrap material.

Photos by Ruben Manahan IV, BYD

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