The repurpose of retired batteries is to reuse batteries from retired battery products for 2nd use application(s). This approach is more environmentally friendly and economically beneficial compared to retrieve some materials inside the batteries through complicated recycling process. This project conducted pre-cycling characteristic tests on a total of 60 battery cells, selecting 20 cells from three types of reusable battery cells. In addition, without the original specification characteristics of these battery cells, the project referred to the battery testing items in UL1974 to conduct tests on the batteries. Based on the test results and our basic battery knowledge, sorting and grading standards were established. Finally, 10 battery cells were selected from each of the three pre-cycling characteristic tests for trial runs. The overall results of the trial runs showed that out of the 15 healthier battery cells, 14 maintained good capacity, while one showed slightly faster degradation. This indicates that reusing batteries still maintains good capacity retention, making battery reuse feasible. Although our sorting and grouping methods did not fully predict the aging condition of the batteries, however, it still demonstrated a high level of accuracy. Our sorting and grading approach has proven effective as none of the six cells with derated use exhibited abnormal aging, whereas two out of the nine cells with normal use exhibited rapid capacity decline. In conclusion, as the promotion of electric vehicles and motorcycles in Taiwan is still in the early stages, the amount of retired batteries is currently limited, but an explosive increase is anticipated. It is recommended to reference international practices and regulatory frameworks for the recycling and reuse of retired batteries. In addition to implementing end-of-life recycling management, such as recycling rates and resource regeneration, there is a further need to promote upstream management, emphasizing carbon footprint and product traceability specifications, and developing innovative business models. Moreover, the collective involvement of government, businesses, research institutions, and the public is essential to rapidly advance the recycling, reuse and repurpose of retired batteries, ensuring the establishment of an effective and sustainable battery industry ecosystem.

battery recycling, battery repurposing, battery sorting and grading