Kia Europe has announced a new partnership with Encore Deutsche Bahn (encore DB) to repurpose recycled electric vehicle batteries to create scalable energy storage systems. The prototype system has been deployed on the Kia Soul EV battery, marking the beginning of the automaker’s European-wide initiative.
As a Korean automaker and member of the Hyundai Motor Group, Kia is moving toward zero emissions and carbon neutrality throughout its business, fully embracing electrification. In addition, Kia and Hyundai Motor Group have invested in new technologies such as robotics and autonomous driving to drive sustainable transportation forward.
As electric vehicles become more popular, a major hurdle to overcome is electric vehicle battery recycling. To address this issue, major manufacturers such as CATL and recycling experts such as Redwood Materials have been helping to reduce and reuse precious materials around the world.
In Europe, encore DB has been working with a number of companies to source used batteries and give them a second life as energy storage solutions. Its latest partner is now Kia, whose electric car batteries have been used to help power a miniature smart grid.
Kia announced details of its new partnership with encore DB in a press release today, explaining how its electric vehicle batteries will be removed and repurposed for a second life cycle. Under the new agreement, Kia Europe becomes the first mobility solutions provider to formally partner with encore DB with the goal of expanding the reuse of batteries throughout Europe.
