Honda And Mitsubishi To Repurpose EV Batteries For Storage Systems

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Honda and Mitsubishi have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two automakers work to build businesses that use the batteries of electric vehicles.

Initially, the new business will utilize the batteries to be used by mini-EV models from Honda set to go on sale in Japan in 2024. This business aims to manage and maximize “the value of each battery throughout its lifetime shifting from powering EVs to use as stationary energy storage.” Put more simply, Honda and Toyota want to repurpose batteries from EVs and use them for energy storage systems.

“Preparing for the era of full-fledged popularization of EVs, Honda will not only sell EVs, but take a proactive approach to energy management, where EV batteries will be utilized as an energy source, and we are also focusing on resource circulation, including the reuse and repurposing of EV batteries, which contain various rare resources,” Honda chief executive Toshihiro Mibe said. “Starting with this initiative with MC in the area of mini-EVs in Japan, Honda will strive to maximize the value we offer to our customers and build a foundation for sustainable business from a long-term perspective, while working with a variety of partners and accommodating the unique market characteristics of each region.”

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In addition to repurposing BEV batteries into energy storage solutions, Honda and Mitsubishi want to deploy a smart energy management system that will allow EV owners to intelligently charge and discharge their vehicles. For example, the system will automatically control the timing of charging and discharging based on electricity supply and demand and when possible, use green energy to charge vehicles. Owners will also be able to sell power back to the grid.

“We understand that the convergence of different sectors such as mobility, energy, services, and data is an irreversible trend,” Mitsubishi president and chief executive Katsuya Nakanishi added. “Examples can be seen all over the world, as companies seek to go carbon neutral, and new business models like MaaS and CASE (in the automobile industry) pick upstream. MC is aiming to develop its own new business models that balance electrification and decarbonization, to create new cross-industry services, and otherwise reinventing ourselves in keeping with the times.”