Deutsche Bahn, Kia Partner To Convert Used Batteries Into Storage Systems

The Korean automaker Kia and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn (DB) have announced a partnership to increase the useable life of batteries used in electric mobility. Their solution is to re-use used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles to create efficient and cost-effective energy storage systems for green electricity.

The official statement says that the second-life battery energy storage solutions are modular and can be used in a wide variety of different applications. For example, they can save surplus electricity from photovoltaic systems or, as part of a distributed system, can supply power throughout the day to DB maintenance depots and depots where trains are prepared for operations. That helps cut the cost of power peaks.

Kia said that encore, a corporate startup of DB Bahnbau Gruppe GmbH, is handling the process, from procurement of the used batteries to production.

Berthold Huber, Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bahn for Infrastructure, said, “Our new second-life battery energy storage systems offer a solution that is also sustainable. And that makes it an attractive option for any industry.”

DB Bahn held that encore will begin series production and distribution of several hundred battery energy storage systems in 2023.

Jason Jeong, President, Kia Europe, said, “This groundbreaking partnership between Kia and DB Bahn is proof that the two companies think of batteries as valuable resources in a sustainable circular economy.”

Kia dealerships send the batteries directly to encore, which inspects them and analyzes them for safety and quality. Battery modules that have enough remaining capacity will become second-life battery energy storage systems, and encore sends any that do not have enough life left to be recycled appropriately.

Christian Moser, Global Solution Manager for E-Mobility at DB Schenker, said, “Batteries are the backbone of the global move toward electrification in the mobility sector. encore has developed an exciting solution to give old batteries a second life. We are delighted to support this innovative project with our services tailored specifically to battery logistics,”

DB Bahn is a German infrastructure services provider, partner and consultant. It also claims to have specialized in recycling and alternative energy systems.