How to: Repurpose EV Batteries

As many of us patiently await the arrival of a sleek, sexy, and sustainable future, the truth is that it’s being shaped right now. And let it be known that the future we’re talking about is more than a shiny new chassis with a brand new battery under its hood; it’s about creation through renewed purpose. And once we cut away the frilly vocabulary, it’s about reusing old things that just need a breath of fresh air. In this article, we’ll discuss how a repurposed EV battery might just be the saving grace you need for your conversion project. Let’s dive in.


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Repurposed EV Conversion Battery Packs: The Virtuous Link in the Reuse Chain

Sustainability is about placing emphasis on the fact that ye need not waste. And style is about timeless design. Stylish sustainability is a ‘67 Mustang with a repurposed Tesla motor and battery pack. A car like this is a nod to the Great Depression days when nothing was wasted and everything had value. Some of us had an uncle who kept a cup filled with rusty nails in a garage, just in case. However, repurposing an EV battery isn’t exactly like that. It’s creating value from what would otherwise be worthless. By giving a used battery a second life you not only save yourself tons of money on your conversion project, but you also:

  1. Extend Battery Use: You prevent the premature destruction, storage, or recycling of batteries.

  2. Reduce Environmental and Social Costs: You avoid the environmental degradation and social impacts associated with the production of new batteries.

  3. Support Circular and Damaged Car Economy: You contribute to an economy that values reuse and repair over discard and replace.


EV Conversion & Used Battery Packs

Converting your old car with a used battery pack is a demonstration of sustainable prowess. It’s a testament to the belief that what’s old can be new again, reducing your carbon footprint by up to 10X without sacrificing the horsepower of innovation. In addition to that, this process would also likely exceed your economic goals. The benefits are manifold:

  1. Sustainability: By using batteries that would otherwise be sent to a landfill, you support sustainable consumption.

  2. Cost-Effectiveness: Repurposed batteries are often more affordable than new ones, making EV conversion more accessible. Additionally, a converted car offers 86% lower annual operational expenses compared to buying a new ICE vehicle.

  3. Circular Economy: Sustainability is a cornerstone of the circular economy, where products are used for as long as possible before being repurposed or recycled.


Advanced Methods of Repurposing, Creating Battery Car Kits, & Extending Battery Lifespan

The process of integrating repurposed batteries is as meticulous as crafting a fine watch. You need a keen eye to be able to discern whether or not a specific used battery is worthy of being integrated into your new ride. However, if you’re not a professional and you’re thinking about grabbing a salvaged car and taking out the battery pack yourself, think again. High voltage can kill. This isn’t an amateur DIY project—it’s a job for professionals. Let the experts handle it. They’ll pull the battery modules from the pack in an appropriate environment, test every single cell, and give you the certification and warranty you need.

You can also go about this process by choosing a used battery that has been recertified as serviceable. This is the route we recommend. Researchers have also developed methods to revitalize lithium-ion batteries, extending their lifespan by up to 30%. This means a battery directly reused into your project may add the lifespan of a (almost) brand new EV to its service years.

In conclusion, repurposing EV batteries for a conversion project is the kind of forward-thinking that sets people apart. When you consider that the battery and motor price of an EV is by and large the most expensive part of a conversion, a repurposed motor actually starts to make a lot of sense—especially if you’re economically-minded. Additionally, the role of repurposed batteries is set to become a whole lot bigger in the coming years, especially as we progress to a more circular economy. So, do yourself a favor and check out our previous blog about sustainability, think about your automotive future, and get ahead of the curve.





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