Hyundai Partners with UL for Safe Deployment of Second Life BESS

Youngcho Chi, president and chief innovation officer of Hyundai Motor Group (left) and Sajeev Jesudas, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at UL (right) formalize a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony at UL’s offices in Seoul, South Korea. The relationship between the two companies is intended to help further the safe deployment and use of second life battery energy storage systems.

The South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer, Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with the global safety science leader, UL for the safe deployment and use of second-life battery energy storage systems (SLBESS).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during a ceremony at UL’s offices in Seoul, South Korea on July 23, formalized the relationship between the two companies. UL and Hyundai will collaborate on SLBESS initiatives, including safety testing and assessment, a North America demonstration project, and evaluation process development.

the idea of using used automotive EV batteries for storage requirements is not a new one, and  has in fact been cited as one way to reduce storage costs for stationary energy requirements.

Additionally, UL and Hyundai will harness their collective worldwide presence to help extend the reach of their collaboration globally with the intent to help further SLBESS marketplace adoption.

Speaking of the SLBESS, “Reusing batteries in secondary applications is a promising strategy to help combat climate change and carbon emissions,” said Sajeev Jesudas, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at UL. “We are excited about our collaboration with Hyundai and how we are joining together to consider second-life battery applications as well as their safety and performance potential.”

The concept of giving a second life to electric vehicle (EV) batteries consists of reusing the old batteries, which could still be used on less-demanding grid-connected energy storage applications. As the EV market continues to grow, there is an increased emphasis on repurposing batteries used in EVs.

Li-Ion to Stay The Dominant Storage Standard For India Upto 2030-Report

Also Read

Concurrent with the desire to repurpose EV batteries, there is an escalating demand globally for efficient renewable energy resources. Innovative energy storage solutions are expected to become a key component of the electricity grid, boosting reliability and helping to integrate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

Terra-Gen Closes Financing for First Phase of Solar Storage Facility in California

Also Read

Speaking of the partnership, “We look forward to enhancing the safety and reliability of second-life battery energy storage systems through our collaboration with UL, the global safety science leader,” said Youngcho Chi, president & chief innovation officer of Hyundai Motor Group.

Recently, Hyundai announced to invest USD 100 million in solid-state battery specialist Solid Energy System (SES) corporations, according to recent media reports. The company appears to have signed an equity investment agreement with SES.

Continuing its quest to be a smart mobility solution provider, Hyundai announced the up-gradation in design and performance of its hydrogen-powered XCIENT fuel cell heavy-duty truck in May 2021.

In India, various EV giants have partnered with firms for recycling/reusing their EV batteries. Like recently, MG Motor India tied up with the Noida-based Attero to recycle EV batteries. Attero provides a range of recycling, refurbishing, retail, and reverse logistics solutions to help organizations minimize their electronic waste.