Waymo is taking another step toward a more sustainable transportation ecosystem by partnering with California-based B2U Storage Solutions to repurpose retired electric vehicle batteries from its autonomous fleet into grid-scale energy storage systems.
The collaboration will transform batteries that have reached the end of their useful life in vehicles into stationary energy storage assets, helping support renewable energy integration and strengthen local electricity grids in regions where Waymo operates, including California and Texas.
From Robotaxis to Renewable Energy Storage
Electric vehicle batteries typically remain useful long after they are no longer suitable for automotive applications. While a battery may be replaced once its capacity declines to around 70% to 80% of its original performance, it can still provide years of reliable service in stationary storage systems.
Under the new agreement, batteries removed from Waymo’s fleet will be repurposed by B2U Storage Solutions, a company specializing in second-life battery energy storage. The company has developed technology that allows used EV battery packs to be integrated directly into large-scale storage projects, extending their useful life before eventual recycling.
Instead of being dismantled immediately, retired batteries will be deployed in energy storage installations that can capture excess renewable electricity during periods of high generation and release it back to the grid when demand rises.
Supporting Growing Renewable Energy Capacity
The need for battery storage continues to increase as renewable energy generation expands across the United States. Solar and wind power often produce electricity when demand is low, creating a need for storage systems capable of shifting that energy to peak consumption periods.
Waymo said the partnership is expected to deliver hundreds of megawatts of storage capacity, with initial deployments focused on California and Texas. Both states have become leaders in renewable energy development and battery storage deployment.
Grid-scale storage systems built with retired EV batteries can help utilities balance supply and demand, improve grid reliability, and maximize the use of clean energy resources that might otherwise go unused.
B2U has already demonstrated the viability of second-life battery projects. Existing installations include a California facility powered by approximately 1,300 retired EV battery packs and a Texas project utilizing energy from more than 700 battery packs.
Extending the Value of EV Batteries
According to Waymo, the initiative supports the company’s broader sustainability strategy by creating a circular economy for battery materials.
“Our shared fleet of EVs provide a massive opportunity to support the growth of clean energy on the electricity grid while expanding the circular economy,” said Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Waymo. He added that repurposing batteries for local energy storage allows them to continue delivering environmental and economic benefits long after leaving vehicle service.
Freeman Hall, CEO of B2U Storage Solutions, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the company’s battery repurposing business. By extending battery life through stationary storage applications, the partnership helps unlock additional value from EV batteries while supporting increasingly strained power grids.
After their second-life service is complete, the batteries will be recycled to recover valuable materials, ensuring responsible end-of-life management.
A Growing Trend Across the EV Industry
Waymo’s autonomous fleet currently consists primarily of electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, though the company is expanding its lineup. It recently announced the introduction of its next-generation Ojai vehicle, developed with Zeekr, and is also testing Hyundai Ioniq 5-based robotaxis for future deployment.
As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, second-life battery programs are becoming increasingly important. Rather than sending batteries directly to recycling facilities, automakers and fleet operators are finding ways to maximize their value through stationary energy storage applications.
Waymo joins a growing list of companies pursuing this approach. Automakers including General Motors and Rivian have established partnerships aimed at transforming retired EV batteries into large-scale energy storage systems.
With thousands of electric vehicles expected to retire over the coming years, second-life battery projects could become a key component of both the clean transportation and renewable energy sectors, helping extend battery lifespans while supporting a more resilient and sustainable electricity grid.
