Kia prepares to repurpose EV batteries with Infinitev in Australia
Infinitev calls the service the ‘SafetyCheck,’ described as an “exhaustive examination that includes both physical and electrochemical evaluations”. The company does not deliver technical details but mentions “specialised diagnostic tools” it calls ‘HealthCheck’ for in-depth performance analysis.
The tests ultimately help Infinitev, and eventually, Kia Australia, to define the next step in the life of a battery. Class A designates a pack for reuse in traction batteries for electric vehicles. Class B is for connection use in stationary energy storage, and Class C is for preparation for material recovery through recycling.
Here, Infinitev shows real-life use. The company website reveals three energy storage options: a standalone battery container with up to 2.4 MW capacity, a storage system combined with energy from renewables, and a battery-buffered charging station. The container solution appears to exist as a 120 kWh pilot system, which Infinitev built from nine repurposed Nissan Leaf packs together with local start-up Relectrify.
As for Kia, Damien Meredith, CEO of the company’s Australian branch, admitted they were currently “in the very early stages of developing a solution tailored to Kia customers that will allow their electric vehicle batteries to be reprocessed rather than thrown away”.
Kia Australia introduced its first-generation Niro in 2021 and also offers the Kia EV6 in the otherwise only emerging EV market in Australia.
Dickson Leow, General Manager of Infinitev, still expressed his enthusiasm: “Through responsible battery management, we can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and build a greener Australia.”
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