Abstract:

This paper presents a novel physical allocation method based on the critical performance criteria: remaining capacity, module retention rate, and repurposed electric vehicle battery lifetime (second life). To verify the allocation method, a case study directly compares the emissions generated by a repurposed electric vehicle battery and a virgin stationary storage battery of equivalent capacity in Australia. The repurposed battery has a smaller footprint across all eight environmental impact categories, provided it operates for a minimum of six years. A sensitivity analysis shows battery repurposing can achieve carbon reductions if the repurposed electric vehicle battery lifetime exceeds 4.25 years. The breakeven points for remaining capacity and module retention rate at the beginning of the second life occur at 66% and 75%, respectively. In addition, a comprehensive repurposing life cycle inventory was developed for the repurposing phase, which includes all added components and processes required to repurpose an electric vehicle battery to function as a stationary storage battery.