GM explores second lives for Volt batteries

atlaw4u · #1 09-22-2010, 03:55 PM

Volt's batteries have a long life, even after the expeceted 10 year use of powering cars.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/GM_Volt_Li-Ion_Battery_-_First.jpg

Christina Rogers - DETROITNEWS - September 22, 2010

General Motors Co. is looking for ways to give Chevrolet Volt batteries a second life, once their usefulness for powering the plug-in hybrid is over.

The Detroit-based automaker has partnered with Swiss-based ABB Group to explore ways to reuse the Volt's 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. Possibilities include using them to store renewable energy, such as wind and solar, or electricity generated for the power grid but not used right away

The pilot project between GM and ABB Group, the world's largest supplier of power grid technology, will span several years, GM officials said Tuesday at the EV Battery Tech Conference in Troy.

The first wave of electric cars, including the 2011 Volt, is expected to hit dealerships this year, and automakers are working with utilities to prep the grid for a possible spike in demand for electricity.

The Volt, a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, can travel up to 40 miles on a single battery charge before the gasoline engine kicks in and extends the range another 300 miles... [Read More]

ItsNotAboutTheMoney · #2 09-22-2010, 07:26 PM

Lithium is cheap. Nobody thinks about this for nickel because they want the nickel.

It'll be interesting to see what happens to the cells in 10 years.

msantos · #3 09-26-2010, 11:33 AM

It is a welcome and refreshing change to see some groups within GM promoting and actually delivering on such principles even if the short term benefits fail to captivate the ambitions of profitability of the higher management groups.

According to many industry analysts Lithium is poised to become a precious resource if the automotive industry fails to secure an alternate chemistry that can match or exceed its energy density and packaging advantages. So it follows, that those who invest early into means extending battery life and reconditioned/secondary use stand to gain the most.
Very wise and very welcome indeed.

Cheers;

MSantos