Latest news with #TeslaBatteries
Auto Blog
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
How EV Batteries Could Power the Grid – And Why That's a Big Deal
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. August's offers make it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of Ford's iconic pony car. With usable cargo space, comfortable seating, and an ideal location for our furry friends, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an ideal transport for kids, dogs, and just about anything else. One of just 50 Ford GT Carbon Series models, this 77-mile 2020 example in Ingot Silver with Competition Orange accents is now available for sale. Old Tesla Batteries Find New Life Yesterday's worn-down Model 3 battery is no junk-yard relic—it's busy running a power grid in Texas right now. Thanks to some smart reinvention and an assist from artificial intelligence, second-life EV batteries are shifting from garage scraps to grid heroes. At a wind farm in West Texas, former EV packs now help balance the grid's ups and downs, saving utilities millions and keeping the grid stable in a way that feels straight out of a sci-fi flick—except it's happening live, not in the future. Tesla Model X on a lift awaiting a battery — Source: Jasper Juinen/Bloomberg Core Performance: AI Optimizes Real-World, Ragged Packs A repurposed EV battery has character: leftover capacity, bits of wear, and a personality shaped by years on the road. Managing hundreds of mixed-condition cells would overwhelm any human. Enter reinforcement learning: researchers recently published a study proving that 'soft actor-critic' deep learning models make the difference when operating fleets of used batteries for charging stations and grid storage. These AI models process mountains of data—electricity demand, price signals, battery health, grid conditions—to optimize charging and discharging in real time, achieving lower costs and smoother operations than older, rules-based systems. This is not lab theory: Texas now runs a 53 MWh storage project using these recycled packs, making it the world's largest grid-scale second-life battery plant, all while working with the quirks inherent in old hardware. Results from these smart deployments? They react faster to the grid's instant needs and wring more usable kWh out of aged batteries compared to traditional brute-force strategies. Their reliability and speed in grid services, especially during peak demand, are closing the gap with new cells. With AI calling the shots, it's not about old batteries limping along—it's about used packs being tactically tuned for their next race. Real-World Usability: Affordable Storage, No Lab Coats Required These second-life grid batteries aren't boutique experiments. Commercial projects like Element Energy's Texas install have lowered energy storage costs by stacking modules salvaged from all kinds of EVs, leveraging remote monitoring and dynamic software control for everyday grid support. For utilities, the price beats buying new cells, with up to 40% savings versus fresh battery systems. There's no fussy manual: the design is modular and remotely managed—techs swap packs in shipping containers and monitor performance on simple dashboards. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Compared to classic gas peaker plants (the old-school grid 'backups'), used EV batteries are cheaper, cleaner, and less maintenance-intensive. Instead of humming gas engines, you get quiet arrays that buffer solar and wind output, keeping the grid steady even as more renewables come online. Some suppliers, like B2U Storage and Element Energy , have proven that regular utilities and grid operators can safely run these second-life arrays at scale. That means lower rates for homeowners and fewer blackouts when the weather turns. Verdict: This Is the Second Life EV Lovers Want Second-life EV batteries managed by AI are not a someday idea—they're running America's grid today. Their performance rivals new storage at a fraction of the cost, wrapped up in a system that actively learns for better uptime and value. No retrofitting required: they use the same cells that once drove your favorite sedan. Factor in the sustainability bump—less e-waste, less demand for new construction—and car enthusiasts have every reason to get behind the circular economy. This is what it looks like when the auto world leads America's renewable energy future—one battery pack at a time. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Innovative company discovers unique use for old Tesla batteries: 'They can be quickly and economically repurposed'
This company is giving old Tesla batteries a second life, and it might save cities money while cleaning up our air. Interesting Engineering reported that Re/cell, a Nevada-based battery company, has figured out a way to breathe new life into used Tesla batteries. Its solution? Turn them into modular power blocks for electric drones, vehicles, and energy storage. These aren't just spare parts cobbled together. The company salvages retired battery cells, tests them for quality, and rebuilds them into high-performance battery packs. It's the kind of fix that helps people and cities avoid buying expensive new batteries, and it might make heavy-duty drones way cheaper to power. "There are literally billions of lithium-ion cells sitting inside existing [Tesla] battery packs that can be quickly and economically repurposed for the rapidly growing secondary battery market," said Re/cell founder Chad Maglaque, per a company press release. This isn't just about better gadgets. Keeping batteries like these in circulation can lower the demand for new lithium mining, a practice known to cause health risks and environmental damage. It can also keep toxic metals out of landfills and soil. Each of Re/cell's lithium-ion blocks is designed to serve high-energy uses. The company has released three options so far, all 44.4 volts, ranging from 755 watt-hours up to a massive 2,040 watt-hours. The highest-capacity block supports a peak current of 280 amps and includes smart features such as current detection, charge warnings, and cooling systems. The battery even shows its charge with an LED fuel gauge. Re/cell's standardized battery blocks are designed for industries that use heavy-duty drones, including farming, security, infrastructure inspections, and cargo delivery. Lighter-weight and longer-lasting batteries mean fewer disruptions and lower costs over time. Repurposed battery tech could also play a big part in making clean energy storage cheaper, which is essential for backup systems tied to rooftop solar. Learn more about solar for your home here. Plus, when batteries stick around longer, there is less demand for mining and less pollution in the air we breathe. That's a win for public health, especially in neighborhoods near major roadways and industrial zones. Electric vehicles already help reduce air pollution when compared with gas-powered cars, and recycling their batteries pushes those benefits even further. As more companies follow Re/cell's lead, smart reuse like this might not just be better for the planet. It could also help save some serious cash. Do you think EVs will dominate our roads in 15 years? No way Absolutely yes Only in some areas I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Innovative company discovers unique use for old Tesla batteries: 'They can be quickly and economically repurposed'
This company is giving old Tesla batteries a second life, and it might save cities money while cleaning up our air. Interesting Engineering reported that Re/cell, a Nevada-based battery company, has figured out a way to breathe new life into used Tesla batteries. Its solution? Turn them into modular power blocks for electric drones, vehicles, and energy storage. These aren't just spare parts cobbled together. The company salvages retired battery cells, tests them for quality, and rebuilds them into high-performance battery packs. It's the kind of fix that helps people and cities avoid buying expensive new batteries, and it might make heavy-duty drones way cheaper to power. "There are literally billions of lithium-ion cells sitting inside existing [Tesla] battery packs that can be quickly and economically repurposed for the rapidly growing secondary battery market," said Re/cell founder Chad Maglaque, per a company press release. This isn't just about better gadgets. Keeping batteries like these in circulation can lower the demand for new lithium mining, a practice known to cause health risks and environmental damage. It can also keep toxic metals out of landfills and soil. Each of Re/cell's lithium-ion blocks is designed to serve high-energy uses. The company has released three options so far, all 44.4 volts, ranging from 755 watt-hours up to a massive 2,040 watt-hours. The highest-capacity block supports a peak current of 280 amps and includes smart features such as current detection, charge warnings, and cooling systems. The battery even shows its charge with an LED fuel gauge. Re/cell's standardized battery blocks are designed for industries that use heavy-duty drones, including farming, security, infrastructure inspections, and cargo delivery. Lighter-weight and longer-lasting batteries mean fewer disruptions and lower costs over time. Repurposed battery tech could also play a big part in making clean energy storage cheaper, which is essential for backup systems tied to rooftop solar. Learn more about solar for your home here. Plus, when batteries stick around longer, there is less demand for mining and less pollution in the air we breathe. That's a win for public health, especially in neighborhoods near major roadways and industrial zones. Electric vehicles already help reduce air pollution when compared with gas-powered cars, and recycling their batteries pushes those benefits even further. As more companies follow Re/cell's lead, smart reuse like this might not just be better for the planet. It could also help save some serious cash. Do you think EVs will dominate our roads in 15 years? No way Absolutely yes Only in some areas I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
