The Future of Electric Vehicle Batteries: A New Era for Repurposing
In 2025, a groundbreaking analysis of electric vehicle (EV) battery performance was conducted by Geotab, evaluating over 22,700 electric vehicles across 21 distinct models. One of the standout findings was that the average battery capacity loss hovers around 2.3 percent annually. This statistic paints a promising picture: even after eight years of service, the average EV battery retains an impressive 81 percent of its original capacity. This durability is crucial in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and the efficient use of resources.
Waymo’s Electric Fleet and Battery Specifications
Focusing on one of the major players in the EV world, Waymo, the company operates a rapidly expanding fleet consisting mainly of nearly 4,000 electric vehicles, predominantly Jaguar I-Pace models, which are equipped with a substantial 90 kWh lithium-ion battery. Additionally, Waymo recently introduced the Ojai robotaxi, produced by the Chinese automotive brand Zeekr, which boasts a 93 kWh battery. These vehicles not only serve as a means of transportation but also as potential energy assets in the quest for smarter energy solutions.
The Potential of Repurposing Used Batteries
According to industry expert Hall, the degradation in battery capacity—when viewed through the lens of repurposing—still leaves a significant amount of usable energy. This opens up exciting possibilities for the future of energy storage. As these vehicles transition out of active service, they will be repurposed to provide large-scale energy storage solutions, leveraging the considerable capacity of each battery. Hall suggests that the cumulative capacity from Waymo’s fleet could yield “pretty large numbers in terms of megawatt hours,” enhancing the viability of stationary energy storage systems that support power grids.
The Waymo and B2U Partnership
Enter the partnership between Waymo and B2U, a collaboration designed to facilitate this battery repurposing. The agreement gives Waymo significant discretion regarding the timing and quantity of used batteries turned over to B2U. Already, initial quantities of batteries have begun to transition from Waymo’s fleet to B2U’s energy storage initiatives. Looking ahead, the potential exists for B2U to receive “hundreds of megawatt-hours” of storage capacity from the multitude of electric vehicles within Waymo’s operations.
Local Grid Synergy: A Forward-Thinking Approach
Beyond extending the life of the batteries, the strategic partnership aims to synchronize with local power grids where Waymo’s autonomous robotaxis operate. This innovative approach means that the very batteries powering the vehicles in these communities could also serve to stabilize and reinforce local energy grids. Lenz, a spokesperson for the initiative, expressed the unique circularity of the system: “These are the batteries that are helping serve our riders in these communities, and then they’re actually going to B2U to be deployed in local grids that are near communities that we serve as well.”
Commitment to Clean Technology
This synergistic model reinforces Waymo’s commitment to clean technology and renewable energy. The repurposing of these batteries is more than just an operational efficiency; it reflects a holistic approach to energy that considers both the immediate needs of urban transport and the long-term sustainability of power infrastructure.
In a landscape increasingly marked by climate change and energy challenges, the innovative strategies surrounding electric vehicle battery management not only promise to extend the lifespan of these crucial components but also strengthen community resilience through renewable energy—heralding a new era of electric transportation and energy utilization.