General Motors is partnering with Swiss power technologies company ABB Group to explore ways to reuse batteries from the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.
The two companies are collaborating to determine how the Volt’s 16-kWh lithium-ion batteries can be used to provide stationary electric grid storage systems once the batteries have fulfilled their usefulness in customers’ vehicles.
The ultimate goal is to provide cost-effective, innovative solutions that will improve the efficiency of the country’s electrical grid.
The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range will provide customers with a standard, eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on its advanced, lithium-ion battery. It is the automotive industry’s longest, most comprehensive battery warranty for an electric vehicle, and is transferable at no cost to other vehicle owners.
The Volt’s comprehensive battery warranty covers all 161 battery components, 95 percent of which are designed and engineered by GM, in addition to the thermal management system, charging system and electric drive components.
Engineers and researchers from both companies are working together to study:
– Renewable Energy Storage: Power generated by wind and the sun can be stored in Volt battery systems and used when demand warrants.
– Grid Load Management: Utilities will be able to use the Volt batteries to store electricity generated during off-peak periods to supplement demand during high-peak operation. This will help utilities to better manage the grid, improving reliability and efficiency.
– Back-up Power Supplies for Communities: Volt battery systems can store electricity that can be used by communities during power outages caused by storms or other natural disasters.
– Time of Use Management: Industrial customers can store off-peak, lower-priced electrical power in Volt batteries for use during peak demand time of day for cost savings.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
