Used Waymo robotaxi batteries become backup storage for power grids
Summary
Waymo and B2U Storage Solutions have made an agreement to reuse batteries from Waymo’s self-driving electric taxis for storing energy in local power grids. These used batteries can hold extra renewable energy and release it during times when power demand is high.Key Facts
- Waymo operates a fleet of nearly 4,000 electric robotaxis, mainly Jaguar I-Pace models with 90 kWh batteries.
- B2U Storage Solutions takes used electric vehicle batteries and installs them in large energy storage systems.
- These storage systems can save renewable energy during low demand and provide it when demand peaks.
- Waymo replaces taxi batteries as part of maintenance to keep the fleet efficient, even though batteries still have usable life left.
- Used batteries from Waymo could eventually provide hundreds of megawatt-hours of energy storage.
- The energy storage will support power grids in areas where Waymo’s robotaxis operate.
- This partnership helps extend the life of lithium-ion batteries beyond their vehicle use.
- B2U has already started receiving used batteries from Waymo for their storage projects.
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