Lancaster, California's Large Solar Project Repurposes Honda & Nissan EV Batteries for Energy Storage

• B2U Storage Solutions has started operations of a 25-MWh system at its SEPV Sierra hybrid solar + storage facility in Lancaster, California, utilizing 1,300 reused EV battery packs sourced from Honda and Nissan. This project is the largest operational UL 9540-certified energy storage system utilizing second-life EV batteries in the world.

What happened? 

B2U Storage Solutions has started operations of a 25-MWh system at its SEPV Sierra hybrid solar + storage facility in Lancaster, California. This project is the largest operational UL 9540-certified energy storage system utilizing second-life EV batteries in the world, and is comprised of 1,300 reused EV battery packs sourced from Honda and Nissan. The Sierra hybrid storage facility is interconnected directly to the grid, selling power and grid services into California’s wholesale power market. The project is expected to generate over $1 million in revenue in 2022. 

Why does it matter? 

This project is important because it demonstrates the potential of repurposing EV batteries for energy storage. By utilizing second-life EV batteries, this project is able to reduce repurposing costs and increase energy yield. This project is also significant because it is the largest operational UL 9540-certified energy storage system utilizing second-life EV batteries in the world. 

What's next? 

B2U is developing additional projects to add to its operational project portfolio. According to market analysis conducted by McKinsey, the available capacity of second life EV batteries is expected to exceed 200 GWh by 2030. As such, B2U is continuing to develop its patented EV Pack Storage (EPS) technology to address the challenges of second life in large scale energy storage. The EPS system is UL 9540-certified and continuously monitors and controls each battery to ensure operating specifications are maintained.